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

Explanation

An observatory is a structure that holds a large telescope for observing the stars and planets or some celestial event. If you want to check out a lunar eclipse, then head to your nearest observatory. Observatories for examining the distant sky are typically located far from large cities, since light pollution makes it more difficult to see celestial bodies like stars and planets, or events like meteor showers. Another kind of observatory is quite simply a very tall, often skinny building meant for looking down over a city or its coastline. Observatory comes from the verb observe, or "watch," which in turn is rooted in the Latin observare, "watch over or guard."

Example Sentences

The research team tested the method for ten years at a volcanological observatory on the island of La Réunion.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

Robertson arranges stargazing in her mobile observatory, night hikes, swims and meteor watch parties.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

The DRC lost 36 percent of its tree cover between 2004 and 2022, according to the observatory Global Forest Watch.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

While shooting her previous feature in Chile, McAlpine noticed donkeys hanging out around an observatory.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

As long as Frederick remained on the throne, Tycho was able to enjoy an unprecedented amount of freedom to run his observatory just as he liked.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin