The étéSociété astronomique de France (SAF; ), the French astronomical society, is a non-profit association in the public interest organized under French law (Association loi de 1901). Founded by astronomer Camille Flammarion in 1887, its purpose is to promote the development and practice of astronomy.
History
SAF was established by Camille Flammarion and a group of 11 persons on 28 January 1887 in Flammarion's apartment at 16 rue Cassini, 75014 Paris, close to the Paris Observatory. Open to all, SAF includes both professional and amateur astronomers as members, from France and abroad.
Its objective was defined at the time of its establishment as: "A Society is founded with the aim to bring together people involved practically or theoretically in Astronomy, or who are interested in the development of this Science and the extension of its influence for the illumination of minds. Its efforts shall support the increase and extension of this Science, as well as to facilitating ways and means for those who wish to undertake astronomical studies. All friends of the Science and Progress are invited for its composition and development."
On 4 April 1887, the headquarters was established at the Hôtel des Sociétés Savantes, 28 rue Serpente, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The society built an observatory on the top floor of the building for its members use that operated from 1890–1968 (Observatory of the rue Serpente). On 17 October 1966, the headquarters moved to the Maison de la Chimie at 28 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 75007. Since 1974, the headquarters has been located at 3, rue Beethoven, Paris 75016.
To date, the Society has had 49 presidents comprising many illustrious persons in astronomy and related fields.
Activities and services
Monthly magazine L'Astronomie and the periodical Observations et Travaux. Specialized commissions for Astronautics, Astrophilately, Comets, Cosmology, Double stars, History, Instruments, Meteors, meteorites and impacts, Planetary observations, Planetology, Radio Astronomy, Sundials, the Sun, Techniques for amateur astronomy, and Youth. Monthly conferences, lectures, initiation courses in astronomy, and regular meetings of the commissions. The monthly conferences are convened at the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM). Rencontres AstroCiel, an annual astronomical gathering every August at which astronomy enthusiasts come together for two weeks of nighttime observations in Valdrôme (Drôme department) in southeastern France, at 1,300 meters altitude. An extensive library that includes both historical and modern works, available for research and consultation to members and non-members. Three astronomical observatories that are open to the public: the Astronomy Tower of the Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Camille Flammarion Observatory in Juvisy-sur-Orge, and the Bélesta Observatory, located in Bélesta-en-Lauragais in the Haute-Garonne departement. An optics workshop for members, located in the Astronomy Tower of the Sorbonne.
Awards
The society has offered the following awards over the years to its members and to notable personalities in the field of astronomy in France and abroad. Not all awards are given every year, and some have been discontinued.
Prix Jules Janssen. Recognition of astronomical work in general, or services rendered to Astronomy, by a professional. Prize established by Jules Janssen. Annual prize awarded 1896–present. Prix des Dames. Recognition of services rendered to the Society of any kind. Prize established at the initiative of Sylvie Camille Flammarion and a group of women members of SAF. Annual prize awarded 1896–present. Prix Maurice Ballot. Recognition of authors of works of the Society's observatory. Biannual prize established by a donation of Maurice Ballot, SAF Librarian. Awarded when merited. Given 1921–present. Prix Georges Bidault de l'Isle. Encouragement of young people who show a special talent for astronomy or meteorology. Individuals are chosen from participants at courses and conferences, collaboration at the Observatory, or through communications in the bulletin during the preceding year. Prior to 1956, this award was known as the Prix de l'Observatoire de la Guette. Annual prize awarded 1925–