noun
observatory
ub-ZUR-vuh-tor-ee/əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/
A facility equipped for scientific observation, especially of objects in space.
The observatory's open dome exposes a large telescope aimed skyward.
Etymology
The watching root supplies the activity, while the ending names a place devoted to it. An observatory specializes that idea as a building for watching astronomical phenomena.
In context
the 8.4 meter telescope at the vera rubin observatory will turn its eye to the sky in 2022
More examples
- The mountain observatory offers clear views of the night sky.
- Several observatories track the asteroid as it approaches Earth.
- Instruments at the observatory record changes in Earth's magnetic field.
Forms
observatory · observatories
observe verb — Watch something carefully to gather information.
observation noun — Careful watching to learn or record facts.
Similar words
- observation station
- Includes data-collection sites that need not have specialized buildings.
- monitoring station
- Emphasizes ongoing measurements rather than direct observation of celestial objects.