Project history

The first ideas take shape.

An initial request to install a dome at Toulouse III University, and first discussions about siting it on the Maison des Étudiants et des Personnels.

The project properly begins.

First presentation to a committee of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, followed by the call for tenders for the building in September.

A decisive first step.

The observatory’s primary purpose shifts as it opens to school groups. A first grant from the science and engineering faculty, a first crowdfunding campaign over the summer, and a planning application in September.

The project turns professional.

Internal reform of the association and the first substantial grants, from the Occitanie region and the Catalyses foundation. The instruments are settled, first purchases committed, the dome plans finalised and the observatory’s governance defined.

The first instrument purchases.

A first direct university grant, acquisition of the secondary instruments and first equipment tests. A second crowdfunding campaign in October and November, and the name is chosen: Jocelyn Bell Observatory in Toulouse.

The first operational phases.

First training courses, first projects run with the observatory, and the instruments are named.

The dream becomes real.

The main telescope is delivered, then the dome and all the instrumentation are installed in March. The observatory physically exists and the first tests begin. Official inauguration on Thursday 11 December, with the partners.

The observatory comes to life.

Commissioning, testing and improvements throughout the year. Open day on 16 April, with Jocelyn Bell in attendance.