Lyon Observatory 1.78

Lyon Observatory is located in Saint-Genis-Laval, a commune in the Rhône department in eastern France, near Lyon.Founded in 1878, it is part of the Lyon Astrophysics Research Center (CRAL). The entire facility was listed as a historical site on May 9, 2007.The site was established in 1701 and called the Trinity College Observatory. This was destroyed in 1793 during the Siege of Lyon and was reestablished in 1817.In 1867, Paris astronomer Charles André requested of the prefect of Rhone, that a new observatory be created. In 1873, a commission offered to establish a facility in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon. André sought to have the site built in Saint-Genis-Laval. On March 11, 1878, Patrice de MacMahon approved the creation of the Lyon Observatory. André was appointed its first director.Directors 1878-1912: Charles André 1912-1933: Jean Mascart 1933-1966 : Jean Dufay 1966-1976: Joseph-Henri Bigay 1976-1986: Guy Monnet 1986-1995: Jean-Claude Ribes 1995-2005: Roland Bacon 2005-2015: Bruno Guiderdoni