There is a type of observatory, such as a space telescope, that is based in space, but there are also observatories that are located underground, those that are built at ground level, and others whose bases are in the air.
An observatory is a place or facility that is adequately equipped to investigate, examine and record elements, objects, situations and facts of a social, natural or astronomical nature.
This type of center was created a long time ago with the purpose of observing and studying atmospheric or astronomical phenomena . It is used by experts in climatology , volcanology , geology , astronomy and meteorology , among other sciences and branches.
Over the years, however, the concept of observatory has been extended and applied in different disciplines and areas to designate initiatives or spaces that collect thematic information and monitor, for example, the labor reality and the functioning of the media within a given country.
Types of observatory
Observatories with different characteristics and purposes can be found in different corners of the planet .
The meteorological observatory , to cite a specific case, is equipped with technology , instruments and trained personnel to evaluate variables and make a weather prediction with the smallest possible margin of error, study the climate and work with data to be able to predict what the meteorological conditions will be like and what phenomena may be triggered in the short term in each city and province of a given territory.
A radio astronomy observatory , such as those in New Mexico ( United States ) and South Africa , among many other places in the world, has modern telescopes and resources essential for investigating the Milky Way , for example. It should be noted that, when focusing on the study of galaxies , stars and planets , the operation of a space probe or artificial satellite , a device or object commonly called a telescope or space observatory , is of utmost importance.
By focusing on a gamma ray observatory (such as the High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory located in Mexico ), on the other hand, data will come to light related to extremely sensitive methods and detectors aimed at discovering high-energy cosmic or primary rays or gamma radiation in the universe .
The JAXA space agency and NASA have teamed up to launch an astronomical satellite called XRISM (equipped with modern X-ray imaging spectroscopy technology) to conduct in-depth research into the universe.
It is also enriching to know what a solar observatory is and how it works. In this context, it is attractive to learn about the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex , which is located in Peru and was included by UNESCO in its list of World Heritage Sites . There are ruins of what is considered, to date, the oldest solar observatory in America.
Essential equipment and resources
Observatories , beyond certain differences between them in terms of size, location, creation dates and elements used, are characterized by having essential equipment and resources to carry out discoveries and monitoring on a large scale and with a high level of precision.
An astronomical clock (a device designed to mark the relative positions of the major planets , the Moon , constellations , and the Sun , the times of the solstices , etc.), to name a specific example, is essential for an astronomical observatory . Spectroscopes combined with telescopes also help astronomers monitor light coming from celestial bodies. Radio telescopes equipped with powerful antennas are also valuable for scientists to track unmanned space flights and to detect radio waves from nebulae , planets , galaxies , stars , and other astronomical radio sources .
In a weather station , however, the essential instruments are anemometers , thermometers , rain gauges , heliographs and barometers .
More and more people are interested in astronomical tourism, also known as astrotourism. Planetariums, astronomical observatories and museums specialising in astronomy are gaining ground outside the academic and research spheres.
Most recognized observatories
Although there are numerous observatories spread around the world, there is a group of them that, for different reasons, has been gaining some notoriety.
Among the most renowned observatories is the Mauna Loa meteorological observatory , a prestigious reference in the measurement of greenhouse gases , specifically carbon dioxide . This facility near the volcano of the same name on the Big Island of Hawaii is more than three thousand meters above sea level. It is an ideal location for keeping accurate records without major phenomena or factors interfering with the study.
On Chilean soil there is the Paranal Observatory , an astronomical observatory equipped with a visible and infrared telescope, which has managed to locate, in the central area of the Milky Way , aged giant stars that oscillate between extensive inactivity and occasional explosive reactions that lead to the development of clouds of dust and smoke .
Throughout history , centres have also emerged that quickly became prominent and gained relevance beyond borders. The Royal Greenwich Observatory (which was born as an astronomical observatory at the instigation of King Charles II of England and was transformed into a tourist attraction that invites people to appreciate clockmaking, astronomy and navigation artefacts and tools) and the Arecibo Observatory (where at the end of 2020 the structure of the powerful radio telescope used for decades by experts in radar astronomy , planetary sciences , radio astronomy and atmospheric sciences was broken).