Did you know that the Ancien observatoire in Marseille boasts a history stretching back to the early 18th century? It’s right here before you a testament to centuries of astronomical exploration.
The Ancien observatoire began its journey in 1702. Jesuits established it within their Sainte-Croix college. Antoine Laval a Jesuit himself became its first director. For a time however between 1718 and 1729 the Ancien observatoire fell silent. Laval had moved to Toulon. The arrival of Father Esprit Pézenas breathed new life into the institution. That same year the Ancien observatoire gained national prominence becoming the Royal Observatory of the Navy.
Pézenas’s leadership brought two assistant astronomers and new equipment. This included a remarkable telescope six feet long and one foot in diameter. Sadly Pézenas’ tenure ended with the expulsion of the Jesuits from France in 1763.
Saint-Jacques de Silvabelle succeeded him inheriting a depleted observatory. Laval had taken some instruments Pézenas the rest. Only those bearing the royal coat of arms remained. Silvabelle diligently rebuilt the collection. His work focused on atmospheric refraction telescope mirror surfaces Jupiter’s diameter and rotation and the 1769 Transit of Venus. His later years were however marred by conflicts with Mourraille the permanent secretary of the science class. Jean-Louis Pons a later figure started as a simple janitor but rose to become an assistant astronomer. He would go on to discover many comets.
Joseph Thulis Silvabelle’s successor. While Silvabelle aged Thulis effectively ran the observatory. Under his direction the Ancien observatoire discovered numerous comets a total of 18 all thanks to Pons. Thulis also initiated regular publication of observations. His records include not only astronomical data but also twenty years of uninterrupted meteorological observations.
Jean-Jacques Blanpain’s directorship was hampered by material difficulties. The equipment was outdated scientific output declined. His strong character didn’t help matters and he was dismissed in 1822.
Jean-Félix Adolphe Gambart followed discovering 16 comets and meticulously observing occultations of stars and eclipses of Jupiter’s moons. Benjamin Valz a highly active astronomer planned a systematic search for minor planets. His guidance led to the discovery of 32 asteroids by Jean Chacornac Jérôme Eugène Coggia and Ernst Wilhelm Tempel.
Valz’s departure marked a significant turning point. The Ancien observatoire moved from Sainte-Croix to the Longchamp plateau. This relocation involved the construction of a new building designed by architect Henry Espérandieu. The Ancien observatoire was equipped with new instruments notably Foucault’s large telescope. The move to Longchamp marked a new era for the Ancien observatoire in Marseille. Its legacy continues to inspire. The Ancien observatoire’s story is one of perseverance innovation and unwavering dedication to the exploration of the cosmos.