The Paris Observatory (in French, Observatoire de Paris or Observatoire de Paris-Meudon) is the foremost astronomical observatory of France, and one of the largest astronomical centers in the world.
Administratively, it is a "great establishment" of the ministry charged with higher education, with a status close to that of a public university. Its missions include:
- research in astronomy and astrophysics;
- education (four graduate programs, Ph.D. studies);
- diffusion of knowledge to the public.
It is home to the International Time Bureau , and maintains a solar observatory at Meudon and a radio astronomy observatory at Nançay .
History
Its foundation lies in the ambitions of Jean-Baptiste Colbert to extend France's maritime power and international trade in the 17th Century. Louis XIV promoted its construction starting in 1667, its being completed in 1671. The architect was probably Claude Perrault whose brother, Charles, was secretary to Colbert and superintendent of public works. Optical instruments were supplied by Giuseppe Campani . The buildings were extended in 1730, 1810, 1834, 1850, and 1951. The last extension incorporates the spectacular Meridian room designed by Jean Prouvé .
The world's first national almanac, the Connaissance des temps was published by the observatory in 1679, using eclipses in Jupiter's satellites to aid sea-fairers in establishing longitude. In 1863, the observatory published the first modern weather maps. In 1882, a 33 cm astrographic lens was constructed, an instrument that catalysed the ill-fated, international Carte du Ciel project.
Former directors
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