Observatoire de Paris Meudon Library

The Observatoire de Paris is home to contemporary and historic collections of national and international significance in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and the history of the disciplines. The collections are divided between two sites, Meudon and Paris.

The Meudon site, which houses the library's more recent holdings, is specialized in astronomy, astrophysics and physics with portions of the collection devoted to mathematics and chemistry. The collection includes:

• over 28,000 monographs and theses and some 2,100 periodical titles focusing on solar physics, astrophysics and radio astronomy
• archives and manuscripts
• glass plate and printed photographs
• over 500 scientific instruments

60% of the collections are open-access, catalogued using the Universal Decimal Classification system (UDC).

Access terms

Free annual registration required. The library is open to Observatoire de Paris staff and students, as well as to outside lectors upon proof of current research. 

Outside lectors will be granted a three-day pass, without proof of research on presentation of a valid official photo ID.

Lending terms

Library loans are reserved for permanent and temporary Observatoire de Paris staff and students.

Lending terms: 1 month, renewable 5 times. 20 documents maximum. 

Observatoire de Paris Meudon Library