Observatory Observatory

Observatory - Definition and Overview

Related Words: Oso, Beacon, Belvedere, Bridge, Coronagraph, Gallery, Gazebo, Grandstand, Heliostat, Lighthouse, Orrery, Outlook

An observatory is a location utilised for the purpose of observing terrestrial and/or celestial events. Astronomy, astrology, climatology, geology, meteorology and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. Historically, observatories were as simple as containing a sextant (for measuring the distance between stars) or Stonehenge (which has some alignments on astronomical phenomena). Modern astronomical observatories typically contain one or more permanently mounted telescopes contained in buildings with a rotating or removeable dome. Within the last twenty years, many space-based observatories have been launched, introducing a new use of the term.

See also:

See also list of observatories.

Example Usage of Observatory

mango4mouse: Deadmau5 and ghostland Observatory now! Woo!
terrazoom: In a new image from the European Southern Observatory, Centaurus A reveals a halo of huge and ancient star clus.. http://bit.ly/07QSzi0
alexic: RT @zikzak5: Humboldt State Astronomy students in the control room of the Arecibo Observatory http://pic.gd/931e0a
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