Observatoire de physique du globe de Clermont-Ferrand

Founded in 1876, the Observatoire de physique du globe de Clermont-Ferrand is one of France's oldest Earth-science institutions, based today on the Aubière campus of Université Clermont Auvergne in the country's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

About Observatoire de physique du globe de Clermont-Ferrand

This is a geophysics and Earth-sciences observatory rather than a stargazing site: its researchers study volcanology, seismology, geodesy, and atmospheric science. It operates the SNOS/Epos-France seismic network and contributes to the RENAG/RESIF geodetic monitoring system, and it takes part in international Earth-sciences research collaborations.

History

The observatory has been in continuous operation since 1876, making it one of the longest-running scientific observatories in France. Over nearly a century and a half it has grown from a regional facility into a contributor to national and international Earth-monitoring networks.

Telescopes & research

Rather than telescopes, the observatory's instruments are built for monitoring the planet itself. It tracks active volcanoes, including Mount Etna and La Soufrière in Guadeloupe, and maintains a data centre used for detecting volcanic ash - work with direct relevance to aviation safety as well as earthquake and ground-deformation research.

Location & getting there

The observatory is based on the Aubière campus of Université Clermont Auvergne, near Clermont-Ferrand in central France - a region itself shaped by the volcanic Chaîne des Puys nearby.

Visiting Observatoire de physique du globe de Clermont-Ferrand

As a university research facility, it is not set up as a public stargazing venue. Anyone wanting to learn about current programmes should check the official website before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

This site's expertise lies in watching the Earth rather than the night sky, so it isn't set up for telescope viewings. If you'd like to see a star named through Star Register from the ground, browse our observatories directory for a site nearer you that welcomes stargazers, or explore the catalogue to see exactly where your star sits in the sky.