Date:
 
 
 
 

 

The Astronomical Tower of the Royal University of Buda, erected with such a fine work, will offer ample material for contemplation end discussion. There will be quite a few who ask: what is the purpose of this bulding that stands higher than any house? to what end has it been erected? with what instruments and devices is it equipped? Finally, for what increase of the public good has it been placed here?
János Sajnovics: Idea Astronomiae (1778)

 

The History of Our Department
Founded: 1755

 

The university observatories towards 1820 (click to enlarge)
Our new building at Lágymányos, with astronomical facilities, 1999 (click to enlarge)

 

Official Name
Location
Head of Department
1755-1770: Observatory
1770-1852: Observatory and Chair of Astronomy
1852-1870: Chair of Astronomy
1870-1904: Chair of Mathematical Geography and Astronomy
1904-1911: Chair of Cosmography
1911-1913: Institute of Cosmography
1913-1934: Institute of Cosmography and Geophysics
1934-1943: Institute of Astronomy
1943-: Department of Astronomy

1755-1777: City of Nagyszombat
1777-1815: City of Buda, Royal Castle
1815-1849: City of Buda, Gellért Hill
1849-1907: City of Pest/Budapest, Egyetem Square
1907-1967: Budapest (Pest side), Múzeum körút 6-8.
1967-1998: Budapest (Pest side), Ludovika bldg.
1998-: Budapest (Buda side), Lágymányos campus

1755-1785: Ferenc X. WEISS
1785-1806: Ferenc TAUCHER
1806-1824: János PASQUICH
1824-1831: Pál TITTEL
1831-1834: Ferenc ALBERT
1834-1857: Lambert MAYER
1865-1871: Gusztáv KONDOR
1872-1883: Ottó PETZVAL
1883-1897: Gusztáv KONDOR
1897-1933: Radó KÖVESLIGETHY
1933-1934: Károly MÓRA
1934-1941: József WODETZKY
1942-1949: Károly LASSOVSZKY
1949-1964: István FÖLDES
1964-1968: László DETRE
1968-1990: Béla BALÁZS
1990-1998: Miklós MARIK
1998-2010: Bálint ÉRDI
2010-: Kristóf PETROVAY
Note: the Heads of Department indicated are the persons effectively in charge of the Department at the given time, independently of whether or not they were officially appointed. On the other hand, temporary substitutions are not shown.