B2nounspacescience
US/əbˈzɜːr.və.tɔːr.i/
UK/əbˈzɜː.və.tɔː.ri/
a building with telescopes and other equipment for studying the stars, weather or nature
In context
We visited the observatory on the hill to look at Saturn.
The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings.
Scientists at the national observatory recorded a rare event last night.
Words that go with observatory
adjective + noun
- an astronomical observatoryThe university built an astronomical observatory on the mountain.
- a national observatoryThe national observatory announced the discovery on Monday.
- a public observatoryA public observatory offers free tours once a month.
verb + noun
- visit an observatoryMany tourists visit an observatory during their trip.
- build an observatoryThe city plans to build an observatory outside town.
verb + preposition
- work at an observatoryShe works at an observatory in Chile.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I went to the observatory to see stars at telescope.Correct: I went to the observatory to see stars through a telescope.