observatory

American  

[uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

PLURAL

observatories

1. a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, especially a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.

2. an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.

3. a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.

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observatory British  

/ -trɪ, əbˈzɜːvətərɪ /

noun

1. an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena

2. any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings

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Etymology

Origin of observatory

1670–80; < Latin observā ( re ) to observe + -tory ²

Example Sentences

It's the first time the observatory – which was placed in orbit last year - will be able to watch the Sun when it reaches its maximum activity cycle.

From BBC

"That could serve as a legacy for future neutrino observatory and traditional telescopes to perform more in-depth study in particle acceleration mechanisms."

From Science Daily

XMM-Newton remains a key observatory for examining high-energy environments throughout the Universe.

From Science Daily

The confirmation process required a major effort involving several observatories.

From Science Daily

The cosmic crash, now known as GW231123, was detected by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories, which measure gravitational waves -- the ripples in space-time produced by massive celestial motions.

From Science Daily