OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS
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This is a mysterious half-hidden establishment behind its grids, following the Luxembourg Gardens and the Great Explorers, at the end of the Observatory Avenue. The Paris Observatory is in fact a generic designation of the Paris observatories, of Meudon (these two institutions are closed to the public until 2020, due to rehabilitation work) and Nançay. The observatory in Paris as it is interested is one of the oldest in the world still active! He was founded in 1667 for the academic astronomers of Louis XIV, before he knew a story rich in discoveries and observations until the end of the twentieth century. Notable instruments present under dome are the splendid Arago Zago, whose construction was initiated by François Arago, director of the observatory from 1843 to 1853. It is a equatorial bezel with an objective of 38 cm diameter and 9 m of focal (the length of the tube being substantially identical). Put into service in 1854, it is the largest beet in the world. Today, it serves mainly the general public (as part of specific visits), and sometimes for students' practical work. To note the presence very close to the Garden of the Observatory (access by the 98 Arago Boulevard), which houses a hundred trees of various tree trees, flower beds, etc., from which we have an interesting view on the dome Arago although a little distant. Since 1992, the Meridian of Paris has been spotted on the ground, perfectly visible from the entrance grid of the garden.
