observatory

Everyday

1. An observatory is a building with big telescopes and instruments for watching and studying stars, planets and space. tree →
2. An observatory is a place for watching and recording weather, earthquakes, birds or other natural things. tree →

In the lessons

In science and space lessons famous observatories include the Royal Observatory at Greenwich (where the Prime Meridian, 0° longitude, runs), Mauna Kea in Hawaii and the observatories in the Chilean desert. They are built on high, dry, dark places away from city lights. Phrases: «the Royal Observatory», «weather observatory», «at the observatory».

Examples

• We visited the observatory and looked at Saturn's rings. tree →
• The Royal Observatory in Greenwich marks the Prime Meridian. tree →
• Observatories are built on mountains, away from city lights. tree →
• The observatory's dome slid open at night. tree →
• Scientists at the observatory discovered a new comet. tree →
• The weather observatory records rain every day. tree →

Note

Plural «observatories». Spelled with «-ory» like «laboratory». From «observe». Said «ob-ZUR-vuh-tree» (UK) or «ob-ZUR-vuh-tor-ee» (US).