A humble question: Ever wondered about the person behind Place Henri Chrétien? It is more than just a name. Place Henri Chrétien commemorates a remarkable French astronomer and inventor.
Henri Chrétien was born in Paris in 1879. He died in 1956. Chrétien made significant contributions to both astronomy and cinema.
Chrétien’s inventions include the anamorphic widescreen process. This process led to the CinemaScope technique. Twentieth Century Fox acquired the rights to this in 1952. The first film using CinemaScope was “The Robe” in 1953. For this invention, Chrétien received an Academy Award in 1953.
But his genius extended beyond film. Chrétien co-invented the Ritchey-Chrétien telescope. George Willis Ritchey was his co-inventor. This telescope is an improved astronomical telescope. It is now used in virtually all large research telescopes.
Chrétien spent part of his early career at the Nice Observatory. The famous French architect Charles Garnier built the observatory. Garnier also built the Paris and Monaco operas.
At the Nice Observatory, Chrétien created a service of astrophysics in 1905. The Pavillon Henri Chrétien at the Nice Observatory still bears his name. It is a visible landmark from the city.
Henri Chrétien’s work spanned both the heavens and the silver screen. He contributed significantly to science and art. The crater Chrétien on the Moon is named in his honor. The astronomical Chrétien International Research Grants also honor him. Place Henri Chrétien is a fitting tribute to a multifaceted genius.