observatory - The oldest observatories in the world, Observatories still in use

The instruments and associated buildings for conducting astronomical research. This broad definition includes the structures of native proto-astronomers, such as the builders of Stonehenge and Meso-American pyramids, the great mountain observatories of professionals in Hawaii, Australia, and Chile, the backyard shed of the keen amateur, and satellites carrying telescopes far above the atmosphere. Modern optical observatories are situated on mountain tops to get above cloud and atmospheric pollution, with oceanic islands being particularly satisfactory. The astronomers at most large observatories welcome enquiries from the general public, and many are open for self-guided tours. Local astronomical societies often have observatories where it is possible to view the planets, stars, and galaxies on clear nights.

The oldest observatories in the world

The oldest five observatories in the world according to NASA are:

Abu Simbel, Egypt Stonehenge, Great Britain Angkor Wat, Cambodia Kokino, Republic of Macedonia Goseck, Germany

Observatories still in use

Modern astronomical observatories typically contain one or more permanently mounted telescopes contained in buildings with a rotating or removable dome. Such an instrument, or a collection of them, with outbuildings for such things as control centres, data reduction centers, and maintenance are called radio observatories. Some of the major radio observatories are at Socorro, in New Mexico, USA, Jodrell Bank in the UK, Arecibo, Puerto Rico and Parkes in New South Wales, Australia. Major optical observatories include Mauna Kea, HI, USA, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in the Canary Islands, Paranal Observatory in Chile and Kitt Peak observatory in the USA. Within the last twenty years, many space-based observatories have been launched, introducing a new use of the term.