Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées

The Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées is a major research institution in Toulouse, France, bringing together university scientists working across astronomy, planetary science, and the wider Earth sciences.

About Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées

Known by its French initials OMP, the observatory is associated with the Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier and federates multiple research laboratories rather than operating a single visitor site. Its mission is to coordinate and support research activity across astronomy and astrophysics, planetary sciences, and Earth and environmental sciences within the Toulouse scientific community.

History

The observatory was founded in 1982, bringing Toulouse's university research groups together under one coordinating institution.

Telescopes & research

Rather than a single instrument or dome, OMP's strength lies in the breadth of research it coordinates, spanning astronomy and astrophysics alongside planetary and environmental science, carried out across its member laboratories.

Location & getting there

OMP is based in Toulouse, in southern France, part of the Europe region as classified here, a city well known as one of the country's centres for space and aeronautics research.

Visiting Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées

As a research and coordination body rather than a single public observatory, visiting arrangements vary by laboratory; check the official website for current public engagement activities or open days.

See your named star from here

Toulouse's astronomers work with precise sky coordinates every day, the very same kind that come with a Star Register naming package. Find the star you'd like to name in the catalogue and see exactly where it sits in the sky.