Public observatory

A second purpose may be to serve as a center for local hobby astronomers or for interested astro-tourists.

Public observatories are equipped with several optical telescopes 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.

This article about a specific observatory, telescope or astronomical instrument is a stub.

A public observatory near Essen , Germany that is also used for research