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
8 October 2026
Identification of the host galaxy of the most distant fast radio burst ever observed
Exhibitions and information
7 October 2026
Let’s all celebrate Night Day on Saturday 10 October 2026!
Administrative news
6 October 2026
Irène Urso, winner of the 20th L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ Award, France
Administrative news
6 October 2026
Athéna Coustenis has been awarded the AGU’s 2026 Charles A. Whitten Medal
Highlights
6 October 2026
BepiColombo successfully tests its instruments ahead of its observation of Mercury
Exhibitions and information
Friday 9 October, look up: a laser will link Meudon to Paris
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the union of its Paris and Meudon sites, the Paris Observatory - PSL is firing a laser beam between its two domes. Join...
Exhibitions and information
The Paris Observatory - PSL, a partner of the 2026 Star’s Up Festival in Meudon
For its 8th edition, the Star’s Up space festival will take place at Hangar Y in Meudon on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026. Come meet...
Exhibitions and information
Observatoire de Paris - PSL participates in Fête de la science 2026
The Paris Observatory – PSL is taking part in the Fête de la Science by opening its Meudon site to the public on an exceptional basis on Saturday 10 October...
Highlights
BepiColombo: Separation of the MTM Transfer Module After an 8-Year Journey
On its way to Mercury, the BepiColombo spacecraft reached a major milestone on September 3, 2026: the separation, more than 200 million kilometers from...
Press releases
The “pocket rings“ of the small body Chariklo are evolving
Discovered in 2013, the two pocket rings of the small body Chariklo now show signs of evolution in their structure and opacity. This discovery was made...
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.