observatory

[uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

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.

observatory

/ -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

Word History and Origins

Origin of observatory¹

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

Example Sentences

Then, with sheets hoisted up above their ankles for safety, the children daringly climbed the spiral stairs that led to the observatory, which they located handily, they explained, by following the scent of the sky.

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

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The confirmation process required a major effort involving several observatories.

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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.

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Plans are already underway to add more observatories to the network and, eventually, to include a radio telescope in space, which would greatly boost its resolution.

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