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
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
All the data compiled at these observatories play a fundamental role not only for life on Earth, but also for the possibilities of its development beyond our planet.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 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
Here are six observatories to visit for viewing comets, or other space sights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
Compact, millimeter-scale detectors could complement large observatories and help probe low-frequency waves that are currently hard to detect.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 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
Early in her career, Rubin wasn’t allowed to collect her own data, and some observatories didn’t allow women, according to the documentary.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 May 2026
All the data compiled at these observatories play a fundamental role not only for life on Earth, but also for the possibilities of its development beyond our planet.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 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
Here are six observatories to visit for viewing comets, or other space sights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
Compact, millimeter-scale detectors could complement large observatories and help probe low-frequency waves that are currently hard to detect.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 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
Early in her career, Rubin wasn’t allowed to collect her own data, and some observatories didn’t allow women, according to the documentary.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 13 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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Travelers can take it all in, plus a panoramic view of the city’s terra-cotta rooftops, from one of Lisbon’s many lookout towers, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the team suggests.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
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More victims have now died from the toxic fallout than from the impact of the two airliners and the collapse of the towers.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Noun
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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
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For 2026, the challenge highlights trails in 20 different parks with a focus on scenic overlooks, striking shorelines and unique features like historic landmarks.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatories. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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