About the Société astronomique de France 

Who we are

Τhe Société astronomique de France (SAF), the French astronomical society, was founded in 1887 by Camille Flammarion (1842 – 1925). Flammarion’s objectives remain unchanged to this day: “to popularize the sciences of the Universe and to involve amateurs in their advancement”. In short, SAF promotes the development and practice of astronomy in all of its richness and diversity. This covers multiple activities undertaken by numerous and active members of one of France’s oldest astronomical associations. SAF is open to everyone. Although it is a French institution, it has always had a strong international dimension and many members are from other countries.

What we do

The association’s activities include:

Welcoming the public at its three astronomical observatories : the Astronomy Tower of the Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Camille Flammarion Observatory in Juvisy-sur-Orge (south of Paris) and the Bélesta observatory near Toulouse, in the south of France.

Managing seventeen specialized commissions in which both professional astronomers and amateurs participate: Astronautics, Astrophilately, Comets, Cosmology, Double stars, Education, History, Instruments, International relations, Meteors, meteorites and impacts, Planetary observations, Planetology, Radio astronomy, Sundials, the Sun, Techniques for amateur astronomy, and Youth.

Producing various publications, notably l’Astronomie, a monthly magazine continuously published since 1882. Other publications include the Éphémérides, and Cadran Info, a journal about sundials .

Promoting astronomy in French-speaking Africa through l’Astronomie Afrique, a free online  quarterly magazine. It is produced by the Société astronomique de France in partnership with the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Astronomy (ASPA).

Organising monthly conferences and lectures that feature prominent national and international experts in different fields.

Offering courses in astronomy, mathematics, and physics.

Maintaining an extensive library that includes both historical and modern works, available for research and consultation to members and non-members alike.

Promoting collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers (Pro-Am) through joint observation campaigns, workshops, and awards.

Operating an optics workshop where SAF members can manufacture their own mirrors and equipment.

Organising Rencontres AstroCiel, an annual astronomical gathering every August at which astronomy enthusiasts come together for two week of observations in Valdrôme (Drôme department) in southeastern France, at 1,300 meters altitude.

Encouraging young people to become involved in astronomy by creating videos under the guidance of professional astronomers and sharing them through the Younivers YouTube channel.

Organising the International Congress of the Astronomical Youth (ICAY), which gives students at Master’s level and above an opportunity to present their work.

Bringing together enthusiasts in its Modelling Group to share skills and ideas and to build models of planets and moons, and spacecraft .

Teaming up with other leading institutions such as the Cité des sciences et de l’industry (space museum), Paris Observatory, the European Space Agency (ESA),  the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), the Science and Industry Museum of Paris (Cité des sciences et de l’industrie) etc. to organise events for the general public on the occasion of major astronomical phenomena – eclipses, comets, planetary transits – and important space missions.

Organising trips around the world to observe eclipses, auroras, etc.

Prizes

Since its very beginning, SAF awards prizes and medals to both members and non-members in recognition of important achievements. There are over twenty different prizes, although not all of them are awarder every year. The most prestigious of them is the Prix Jules Janssen (Jules Janssen Prize), which is international and is given every year to a professional astronomer in recognition of their scientific work as well as for their contribution to the dissemination of astronomy to the public. Famous recipients of the Janssen prize include Sir Arthur Eddington (1928), Albert Einstein (1931), Georges Lemaître (1936), Michel Mayor (1998), and Reinhard Genzel (2000).

The Prix international d’astronautique (International Astronautics Prize) is another international prize. It is awarded in recognition of an important work related to how  interstellar travel can be achieved or to a work that can increase knowledge in one of the branches of astronautics. It was established by Robert Esnault-Pelterie and André-Louis Hirsch. Up to 1939, it was known as the Prix d’astronautique (Prix Rep-Hirsch).