as in lookouts
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
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Recent Examples of observatories
The asteroid was identified several days ago by astronomers at five observatories, including Farpoint Observatory in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, and Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains.
—
Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 13 May 2026
In Western Australia, 89% of visitors surveyed showed interest in traveling specifically for stargazing, and the sector continues to grow through astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves, aurora viewing, dark sky festivals and astrophotography destinations.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Travelers visit astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves and aurora viewing zones.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Mapping ancient structures The James Webb telescope’s infrared instruments allowed astronomers to detect faint galaxies hidden from older observatories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
Beyond individual discoveries, one of the project's most important roles will be helping astronomers interpret incoming data from next-generation observatories.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 May 2026
By studying them in ultraviolet light that terrestrial observatories can’t access because of Earth’s UV-blocking ozone layer, the project could literally shed more light on the still-mysterious details of stellar activity across the galaxy.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
Well, on March 7, 2023, two NASA observatories — Swift and Fermi — detected a long-period gamma-ray burst that endured for about 200 seconds, definitively in the long-period class.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2025
And while observatories in space and on the ground can give some clues about exoplanets, stars themselves are crucial to understanding these distant worlds.
—Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 13 May 2026
In Western Australia, 89% of visitors surveyed showed interest in traveling specifically for stargazing, and the sector continues to grow through astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves, aurora viewing, dark sky festivals and astrophotography destinations.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Travelers visit astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves and aurora viewing zones.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Mapping ancient structures The James Webb telescope’s infrared instruments allowed astronomers to detect faint galaxies hidden from older observatories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
Beyond individual discoveries, one of the project's most important roles will be helping astronomers interpret incoming data from next-generation observatories.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 May 2026
By studying them in ultraviolet light that terrestrial observatories can’t access because of Earth’s UV-blocking ozone layer, the project could literally shed more light on the still-mysterious details of stellar activity across the galaxy.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
Well, on March 7, 2023, two NASA observatories — Swift and Fermi — detected a long-period gamma-ray burst that endured for about 200 seconds, definitively in the long-period class.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2025
And while observatories in space and on the ground can give some clues about exoplanets, stars themselves are crucial to understanding these distant worlds.
—Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatories
Noun
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With their panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, alpine lakes, and evergreen forests, the park’s four historic fire lookouts—Mount Fremont, Shriner Peak, Gobbler’s Knob, and Tolmie Peak—deliver some of the best views.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
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The trail at Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area boasts one of the prettiest lookouts on the entire Mississippi.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In Coconut Grove, Martin and Terra built or co-developed three big high-rise luxury condo projects — seven towers in all — that, while controversial among many residents, helped resuscitate what had been a senescent village center.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
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The beverages at Brunches Brunches is all about bringing the party to daytime, with mimosas, mimosa flights and even mimosa towers, available in orange, cranberry, pineapple, peach and strawberry.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
Noun
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After flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, take the 45-minute drive along the winding mountain pass, with plenty of overlooks to take in the panoramic views.—
Daria Bachmann,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
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And former President Obama was part of many small but important decisions, from how the food tastes, the height of barriers at the overlooks, and the art pieces that all tell a story.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatories. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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