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Observatoire

An observatory is a facility dedicated to the systematic observation of celestial objects, atmospheric phenomena, or other natural processes. It houses instruments such as telescopes, cameras, spectrographs, and detectors, along with data storage and analysis systems. Observatories may specialize in astronomy and planetary science, meteorology and climate research, or both. They can be ground-based, space-based, or a combination, with ground facilities often chosen for dark skies and stable observing conditions.

Historically, observatories arose to improve navigation, calendars, and scientific understanding. The modern concept took shape in

Prominent observatories include the Observatoire de Paris and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, which were foundational centers

In French-speaking contexts, the word Observatoire is used for such institutions and is embedded in the names

the
17th
and
18th
centuries
under
royal
and
academic
patronage,
enabling
long-term
celestial
monitoring,
precise
timekeeping,
and
increasingly
sophisticated
instrumentation.
Today,
they
serve
as
research
centers
that
collect,
calibrate,
and
archive
data,
supporting
international
collaborations
and
advancing
multiple
fields
of
study.
of
astronomy
and
precision
measurements;
Palomar
and
Mauna
Kea
in
the
United
States;
and
other
major
facilities
such
as
Jodrell
Bank
in
the
United
Kingdom.
Many
observatories
now
integrate
multiple
wavelengths
and
technologies,
from
optical
and
radio
to
infrared
and
space-based
instruments.
of
notable
sites,
such
as
Observatoire
de
Paris.