Observatoire de Paris - PSL is a public institution responsible for fundamental and applied research, higher education and the sharing of knowledge in disciplines related to the sciences of the Universe, astronomy and time metrology.
Exploring and understanding the Universe. Teaching and training. Sharing knowledge.
About Paris-PSL Observatory
Founded in 1667, the Observatoire de Paris has been a center of innovation and discovery in astronomy for over 350 years. With 750 researchers and teacher-researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, the establishment conducts research on its 3 campuses in astrophysics, physics, engineering and the metrology of time and space. Its work combines theory, numerics, experimentation, ground-based and space-based observations, and instrumental development.
Paris Observatory produces French legal time, ephemerides of the Sun, Moon and solar system bodies, and operates state-of-the-art radio telescopes at Nançay. It offers academic training (Masters, PhD), training for the general public and teachers, and class sponsorship. It is a founding member of the Université Paris Sciences et Lettres.
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Creation
1667
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Campus
Paris, Meudon, Nançay (France)
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Trainings
6 degree
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Research
6 research and/or support units
News
Highlights
28 May 2026
SKAO: the French astrophysics community rallies behind the world’s largest radio observatory
Administrative news
21 May 2026
Elsa Huby, winner of the 2026 Scientific Grand Prize from the Charles Defforey Foundation – Institut de France
Exhibitions and information
15 May 2026
Solar eclipse on 12 August 2026: the Paris Observatory – PSL launches the ÉclipSEOP app
Administrative news
150 years ago, the founding of astrophysics in Meudon
In 2026, we will be celebrating a major double anniversary for our institution: the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Observatory in Meudon, which...
Highlights
A Strange Story About the Center Flash
A French team, including a researcher from the Paris Observatory – PSL, Sorbonne University, and the CNRS, along with a researcher from Jean Monnet...
Press releases
When the MAJIS instrument, aboard the JUICE mission, crosses paths with the 3I/ATLAS interstellar spacecraft
The French instrument, to which the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Research in Astrophysics (LIRA) at the Paris Observatory – PSL is contributing, has...
Administrative news
Mobile phone coverage: the town of Nançay now has 4G coverage
The commune of Nançay (Cher) now has mobile phone coverage, thanks to a joint effort involving government departments, mobile network operators and the Paris...
Highlights
What time is it on the Moon?
Interest in exploring the Moon and its surroundings has been on the rise over the past decade, as evidenced by the Artemis (NASA), LunaNET (NASA/ESA), and...
Research
Observatoire de Paris-PSL is a unique research establishment, in terms of its history, reputation and diversity of research fields, as well as its ability to initiate innovative, multidisciplinary research.
The establishment is home to around a quarter of France’s total workforce in astronomy and astrophysics. The diversity of profiles and research themes creates an ecosystem that is unique in France, enabling the development of excellence in both fundamental and applied research, in emblematic fields and at the crossroads of disciplines.
Library
The Collection d’Excellence in Astronomy and Astrophysics, associated with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, is one of the finest astronomy-physics libraries in the world, and a service entirely dedicated to research.
Joint services
A team dedicated to enhancing the attractiveness of the Paris Observatory and supporting research, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge.
Under the authority of the President, the General Services Manager steers and coordinates these services to ensure, in liaison with the establishment’s scientific departments and services, efficient management of resources and projects, while fostering an environment conducive to staff development.