Flamsteed Astronomy Society

Paris & the Paris Observatory

September 2-4, 2005

Back on the main, first floor we toured the treasure trove of exhibits.  Only a small part of the observatory’s collection is on display at any time.  During our visit we were able to see instruments, notes, and letters from the heroic expeditions to measure the length of the Paris meridian and thus compute the exact length of the metre.  There are also many marvellous exhibits including quadrants by Bird and a refractor by James Short.

Madam Debarbat then led us into the main boardroom of the observatory, sumptuous in wood panelling and displaying portraits of all the Directors since Cassini I.

Suzanne Debarbat’s stamina is prodigious.  In 90 degree heat and high humidity she kept up constant flow of information for over 2 hours, easily outlasting all we weaklings!

On the way out we popped into the Time room with a display of equipment used by the Paris observatory time service, including the early automatic telephone time announcement equipment:  ‘Le Tim’  ?

 

Photo Bill Connor

Photo Bill Connor

Photo Pat Wainwright

Photo Bill Connor

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