as in lookouts
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of observatories
As both observatories continue their missions, researchers plan to build on these observations, tracking Saturn's evolving atmosphere, monitoring storm systems and refining models of its complex climate.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Recently Swift has more often been used to follow up on intriguing detections made by other observatories.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 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
What’s next New powerful observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, will enable the discovery and detailed study of distant mergers responsible for producing heavy elements.
—Eleonora Troja, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Multiple new space observatories, including the Near-Earth Object Surveyor and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, are in development at NASA, along with the concept of the Habitable World Observatory.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 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
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Recently Swift has more often been used to follow up on intriguing detections made by other observatories.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 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
What’s next New powerful observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, will enable the discovery and detailed study of distant mergers responsible for producing heavy elements.
—Eleonora Troja, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Multiple new space observatories, including the Near-Earth Object Surveyor and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, are in development at NASA, along with the concept of the Habitable World Observatory.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatories
Noun
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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
-
The group ate meals that were delivered to her, posted lookouts for social workers and cops and stored drugs, guns and ammunition in her apartment.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But all of the 222 guest rooms, which occupy the 23rd through the 30th floors of the towers, offer stellar, unimpeded sight lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
To prevent Iranians from using the Iraqi network to make calls, Iran targeted cell towers operated by Iraqi telecommunication companies Asiacell and Korek near the border and then ordered security forces to shoot anyone approaching the area, Hassanpour said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Known for its dramatic 300-foot canyon walls, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for hiking and climbing, the remote landscape is also part of the Antelope Valley.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
21 Mar. 2026
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For epic views, drive the 40-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway through valleys and mountain passes, with stops at scenic overlooks along the way.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatories. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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