Observatory
Astronomical research station
An observatory is a building or facility equipped for observing astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena.
Most commonly it houses telescopes for studying celestial objects: The observatory on the mountaintop offered clear views of distant galaxies.
By extension, any elevated structure offering panoramic views may be called an observation deck or observatory.
Atmospheric conditions measurement facility
- barometerInstrument gauging atmospheric pressure
- thermometerHeat-measuring instrument
- anemometerInstrument measuring air velocity
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
precipitation · forecast · climate · instruments · readings · data · monitoring · atmospheric
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- planetariumProjected sky exhibit hall
- stargazingObserving celestial bodies
- domeRounded vault forming roof
- astronomerCelestial bodies researcher
celestial · cosmos · constellation · galaxy · nebula · equatorial · meridian · zenith
Rounded vault forming roof
- towerTall slender edifice
- cupolaSmall rooftop dome
- rotundaCircular domed chamber
- turretProtruding fortified structure
parapet · rooftop · belvedere · lookout · panoramic · balustrade · terrace · skylight
Elevated structure for surveillance
- lookoutWatcher or vista point
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- vantagePosition of advantage
sentry · patrol · strategic · military · coastal · border · signal station · garrison
weather station
Atmospheric conditions measurement facility
- barometerInstrument gauging atmospheric pressure
- thermometerHeat-measuring instrument
- anemometerInstrument measuring air velocity
humidity · precipitation · forecast · climate · instruments · readings · data · monitoring · atmospheric · measurements
telescope
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- planetariumProjected sky exhibit hall
- stargazingObserving celestial bodies
- domeRounded vault forming roof
astronomer · celestial · cosmos · constellation · galaxy · nebula · equatorial · meridian · zenith · Hubble
dome
Rounded vault forming roof
turret · parapet · rooftop · belvedere · lookout · panoramic · balustrade · terrace · skylight · octagonal
watchtower
Elevated structure for surveillance
- lookoutWatcher or vista point
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
vantage · sentry · patrol · strategic · military · coastal · border · signal station · garrison · defensive
- CincinnatiCincinnati, Cincy, Ohio River, Clifton, Hyde Park
- GautengJohannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Centurion, Alexandra
- Polar Stations
Observatoryunderground bunker
Reinforced subterranean refuge
basement · cave · mine · submarine · windowless room
Observatoryexhibition hall
Space for public displays
stage · display case · showroom · panopticon · spotlight
- Royal ObservatoryAstronomy institution at Greenwich
- ancient observatoriesEarly astronomical monitoring structures
- space observatoriesSpacecraft housing astronomical instruments
- Greenwich ObservatoryLongitude reference point facility
- Griffith ObservatoryPublic astronomy center
- space observatorySatellite housing astronomical instruments