After more than 30 years in the dark, the large refracting telescope at the Paris Observatory’s Meudon site has been brought back to life — and is once again observing the light of the stars.
Commissioned in 1896, this telescope, with an 83-centimetre aperture and a length of 16 metres, is the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world. It played a central role in the rise of modern astrophysics, particularly in the study of the Sun, the planets and the Moon. Thanks to a remarkable restoration project, it has regained its original splendour, a powerful symbol of the continuity between science, heritage and public outreach.
Built at the request of Jules Janssen and restored following the storm of 1999, the impressive 20-metre-diameter dome protects this astronomical giant.
This week’s photograph shows the restored telescope and dome, with its wooden and metal framework. A rare view of an iconic instrument, where astronomy and architecture meet.
