Preparatory activities aiming at the foundation of the Cracow Observatory
  The first signal of a need of an astronomical observatory in Cracow we can find in a memorial by Rev. Prof. J. Popiolek, prepared in 1750 as a reply to the declaration of bishop Andrzej S. Zaluski, who decided to sponsor the chair of mathematics and experimental physics at the Cracow Academy. The next preparatory steps have been taken in the 1760s by Prof. Jakub Niegowiecki in a form of his few months' long scientific stay in the Vienna Observatory with its director, Rev. Prof. Maximilian Hell; Niegowiecki has bought there also some small observational instruments for the future observatory.

In the consequence of the first partition of Poland in 1772 the financial conditions of the Cracow Academy became worse, but two historical events: the foundation of the Commission for the National Education in Poland and the cancellation of the Jesuits Order -- both in 1773 -- were then, as we can see it now, of essential and positive importance for the development of the astronomical observatory in Cracow.

Jan Sniadecki (1756-1830) began his studies at the Cracow Academy in 1772. He obtained his baccalaureate at the age of 17, and two years later -- also the degrees of M.A. and Ph.D.; then he entered upon his lectures of algebra at the Cracow Academy. Rev. Hugo Kollataj, the minister, who initiated a great reform of the educational system in Poland (in 1777), planned to give the post of professor of mathematics at the Cracow Academy to Sniadecki. Thus, he proposed Sniadecki to study mathematics abroad, before his taking this post. Sniadecki studied for one year with Kästner in Götingen, where he simultaneously worked as an observer at the local observatory. Then he was gone through the Netherlands to Paris, where he studied mathematics for one and a half of a year with J. A. Cousin; astronomy -- with J. J. Lalande. He collaborated also with Ch. Messier and was in close contact with d'Alembert. Owing to positive opinions of French scientists the Commission for National Education appointed Sniadecki in 1781 to a post of professor of higher mathematics and astronomy at the Main School in Crown (the last was the contemporary name of the Kingdom of Poland) i.e. at the former Cracow Academy. Next year, 1782, H. Kollataj had been elected the rector of the School, and Sniadecki became its secretary. The first lecture on astronomy in Cracow was dedicated by Sniadecki to Nicolaus Copernicus.

In 1783 the preliminary works related to the establishment of the botanical garden begun in Cracow. In the place of the future garden there was a building of the first half of 18th century belonging formerly to the Jesuits. That building has been designated, after an adaptation, for seat of the future astronomical observatory. Initial works begun in 1787; Sniadecki traveled then for some months to England, where he visited Greenwich, Oxford and William Herschel at his observatory in Slough. During this travel Sniadecki visited also Paris for a short time again. His absence in Cracow resulted in a delay of rebuilding works. After his return to Cracow Sniadecki observed the eclipse of the Sun on 4 June 1788 and the eclipse of the Moon on 28 April 1790. The first observations made at the new Observatory were the measurements of altitudes of the Sun performed in October 1791. The official opening of the Observatory took place on 1 May 1792.