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.
-
Creation
1667
-
Campus
Paris, Meudon, Nançay (France)
-
Trainings
6 degree
-
Research
6 research and/or support units
News
Highlights
15 May 2025
60 years of observing the cosmos: the Grand Radiotélescope de Nançay, a giant still at work
Press releases
Primitive meteorites: a new study explains why they are so rare on Earth
While space missions such as OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 bring back samples of carbon-rich asteroids, one question still puzzles scientists: why do we find so...
Highlights
A new day on Uranus
Using the aurora of Uranus as a celestial clock, a team led by Paris Observatory - PSL has tackled a decades-old problem: redefining the rotation speed of...
Administrative news
Guy Perrin awarded the CNRS Executive Medal of Honor
On March 10, 2025, Guy Perrin, researcher at LIRA (Observatoire de Paris - PSL), was awarded the médaille d’honneur des cadres for his commitment as deputy...
Administrative news
Isabelle Bualé receives the Suzanne Bella Srodogora 2024 Prize
One year after the CNRS Crystal Medal, Isabelle Bualé receives the CNRS Foundation’s Prix Bella Srodogora, for the 2024 edition.
Administrative news
Observatoire de Paris-PSL joins the 2nd Stand Up For Science Day on April 3
Since Donald Trump came to power, American universities and scientific institutions have been facing an unprecedented offensive, exacerbating threats already...
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.