Observatory

Observatory

An observatory is a location used for observing celestial events. Observatories have been as simple as containing an astronomical sextant (for measuring the distance between stars) or as complex as the Hubble Space Telescope.

History

The first observatories were probably places where prehistoric people looked at the sky, with precision that allowed them to predict seasons for crop planting and how to prepare for winter. Early cultures identified celestial objects with gods and spirits and related these to their lives and activities.

Types of Observatories

There are several types of observatories around the world, including:

• Astronomical observatory: These are locations used for observing celestial events. The astronomical observatories are mainly divided into four categories: space-based, airborne, ground-based, and underground-based.

• Radio observatory: A radio observatory is a facility that does radio astronomy. They are typically large parabolic ("dish") antennas used singly or in an array.

• Solar observatory: A solar observatory is an observatory that specializes in monitoring the Sun.

• Space observatory: A space observatory is any instrument in outer space which is used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.

Notable Observatories

• Greenwich Observatory: Located in London, England, this observatory is best known as the location of the prime meridian.

• Mauna Kea Observatory: Located in Hawaii, USA, this observatory is home to many of the world's leading telescopes.

• Palomar Observatory: Located in California, USA, this observatory is home to the famous Hale Telescope.

• Hubble Space Telescope: This is a space-based observatory that has dramatically changed our understanding of the universe.

See Also

• Telescope
• Astronomy
• Radio astronomy
• Solar astronomy

Observatory Resources
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