observatory
an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
observatory
(ŏb-zer -vă-tor-ee, -toh-ree) A structure built primarily for astronomical observation, equipped nowadays with optical, radio, and/or infrared telescopes and, in the larger observatories, the associated equipment with which spectrographic, photometric, and other such measurements are made. The sites of modern optical and infrared observatories are selected very carefully so that there is maximum transmission of signals by the atmosphere (i.e. the sky is free from clouds and dust), minimal atmospheric turbulence (i.e. the seeing is optimal), and minimum light pollution (i.e. the night sky is dark). Most are sited in mountainous areas or on volcanic islands where the atmosphere is very thin and the absorption effects of water vapor are reduced. Radio observatories, less hampered by seeing conditions, clouds, and light pollution, must still be isolated from terrestrial radio and electrical interference. Instruments can now be carried into space, away from the disturbing and absorbing effects of the Earth's atmosphere. The greatest hopes for future astronomical studies lie in space observatories and possible lunar observatories, permitting observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum with a resolution that is limited only by the size of the telescope.
Collins Dictionary of Astronomy © Market House Books Ltd, 2006
Observatory
A structure in which astronomical observations are carried out; a place such as an upper room that affords a wide view, a lookout.
Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture Copyright © 2012, 2002, 1998 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
observatory
1. A structure, generally with a rotatable dome, in which astronomical observations are carried out.
2. A place, such as an upper room, which affords a wide view; a lookout.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.
Observatory
an institution that conducts astronomical and geophysical (magnetic, hydrometeorological, seismic) observations and research. The first observatories were merely sites where observations were conducted. Later, observatories evolved into research institutes that not only observe various phenomena but also study the processes giving rise to the phenomena. (SeeAEROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY, ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES AND INSTITUTES, GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY, NAVAL OBSERVATORY, and METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY.)
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.