A public observatory is an

astronomical observatory An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geophysical, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. H ...

mainly dedicated to public and educational purposes. It is often supported by a municipality, a school or an astronomical society. The primary purpose of public observatories is to offer extensive programs for

public education State schools (in England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand) or public schools (Scottish English and North American English) are generally primary or secondary schools that educate all students without charge. They are funded in whole or in pa ...

in astronomy. A second purpose may be to serve as a center for local hobby astronomers, or for interested astro-tourists. Some sites also are engaged in special research programs, e.g. on meteors or asteroids. Public observatories are equipped with several

optical telescope An optical telescope is a telescope that gathers and focuses light mainly from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, to create a magnified image for direct visual inspection, to make a photograph, or to collect data through electr ...

s that are housed within a dome or similar structure to protect the instruments from the elements. The domes have a slit in the roof that can be opened during observing and closed when the observatory is not in use. Additional equipment may include astronomical clocks, star maps, PCs, digital projectors, and educational material.

Literature

* H.Bernhard, D.Bennett, H.Rice, 1948: ''Handbook of the Heavens'', Chapter 20-21, McGraw-Hill, New York * Detlev Block: ''Astronomie als Hobby'', 208 S. Bassermann, München 2006

References

Amateur astronomy Observational astronomy {{Astronomy-stub