The Multinational History of Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory (c) Springer 2005 STRASBOURG ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY AND ITS MULTINATIONAL HISTORY A. HECK Observatoire Astronomique 11, rue de l’Universit´e F-67000 Strasbourg, France
[email protected] Abstract. Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory changed nationality sev- eral times since its foundation in the 19th century. This paper1 outlines the observatory history over roughly a century and introduces the direc- tors together with a few high-profile scientists having been based there or associated with the institution during that time. The major instruments are presented as well as several big projects born (Hipparcos) or installed (CDS) in the observatory. 1. Introduction Strasbourg Observatory is quite an interesting place for historians: several changes of nationality, high-profile scientists having been based there, big projects born or installed in its walls, and so on. Most of the documents circulating on the history of the observatory and on related matters have been so far poorly referenced, if at all. Occasionally some elements are definitely wrong, such as even the founder’s name in a recently printed leaflet. As it can be expected, such errors are unfortunately carried over in all kinds of publications copying each other. This made necessary the compilation of a dedicated volume (Heck 2005a), offering fully-documented historical facts and references. Sect. 2 of the present paper recalls a few pecularities of Alsace, that region that switched borders several times in three quarters of a century. If 1Introductory chapter to the book The Multinational History of Strasbourg Astronom- ical Observatory (Ed. A. Heck, c 2005 Springer, ISBN 1-4020-3643-4), slightly edited to make the text self-standing in this reprint.