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:

• Volcano observatory
• Space observatory
• Timeline of telescopes, observatories, and observing technology

See also list of observatories.

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