Classification of Astronomical Observatories
Based on space
They are those instruments that, in general, are located in outer space (in places far from cities and at high altitudes) to observe phenomena in the universe.
A space telescope or space observatory is a telescope in outer space used to observe astronomical objects. Suggested by Lyman Spitzer in 1946, the first operational telescopes were the American "Orbital Astronomical Observatory, OAO-2") launched in 1968, and the Soviet Orion "Orion 1 Ultraviolet Telescope" aboard the Salyut 1 space station in 1971. Space telescopes avoid filtering and distortion (scintillation&action=edit&redlink=1 "Scintillation (astronomy) (not yet redacted)")) of the electromagnetic radiation they observe, and avoid the light pollution that ground-based observatories encounter. They are divided into two types: Satellites that map the entire sky (astronomic survey), and satellites that focus on selected astronomical objects or on parts of the sky and beyond. Space telescopes are distinct from Earth Imaging Satellites, which point toward Earth to satellite images, applied for weather analysis, espionage and other types of information collection.
Space observatories are telescopes or other instruments located in outer space, many in orbit around the Earth. Space telescopes can be used to observe astronomical objects at wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and are therefore impossible to observe with ground-based telescopes. Earth's atmosphere is opaque to ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays and is partially opaque to infrared radiation, so observations in these portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are best made from a location above our planet's atmosphere. [4] Another advantage of space telescopes is that, being situated above the Earth's atmosphere, their images are free from the effects of atmospheric turbulence that affect ground-based observations. [5] As a result, the angular resolution of space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope is typically much lower than that of a ground-based telescope with a similar aperture. However, all these advantages come at a price. Space telescopes are much more expensive to build than ground-based ones. Due to their location, space telescopes are also extremely difficult to maintain. The Hubble Space Telescope has been able to be maintained by the space shuttle, while many other space telescopes cannot be maintained at all.
Based on air
These are balloons or planes that contain astronomical telescopes, and they usually work in the infrared spectrum. The discovery of infrared radiation is attributed to William Herschel.
Space observatories are telescopes or other instruments located in outer space, many of them in orbit around the Earth. Space telescopes can be used to observe astronomical objects at wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and are therefore impossible to observe with ground-based telescopes. The Earth's atmosphere is opaque&action=edit&redlink=1 "Opacity (optical) (not yet redacted)") to ultraviolet radiation, the effects of atmospheric turbulence affecting ground-based observations.[5] As a result, the angular resolution of space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope is typically much lower than that of a ground-based telescope with a similar aperture. However, all these advantages come at a price. Space telescopes are much more expensive to build than ground-based ones. Due to their location, space telescopes are also extremely difficult to maintain. The Hubble Space Telescope could be maintained by the Space Shuttle while many other space telescopes cannot be maintained at all.
Ground based
Those observatories built at ground level, and have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. They are recognized by their façade characterized by domes that open to allow telescopes to pass through their slot.
Ground-based observatories, located on the Earth's surface, are used to make observations in the radio and visible light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most optical telescopes are housed within a dome or similar structure, to protect the delicate instruments from the elements. Telescope domes have a slit or other opening in the roof that can be opened during observing and closed when the telescope is not in use. In most cases, the entire top of the telescope dome can be rotated to allow the instrument to observe different sections of the night sky. Radio telescopes do not usually have domes.
In the case of optical telescopes, most terrestrial observatories are located far from large population centers, to avoid the effects of light pollution. Ideal locations for modern observatories are places that have dark skies, a large percentage of clear nights per year, dry air, and are at high altitudes. At high altitudes, the Earth's atmosphere is thinner, minimizing the effects of atmospheric turbulence and providing better astronomical "observation".[6] Locations that meet the above criteria for modern observatories include the southwestern United States, Hawaii, the Canary Islands, the Andes, and high mountains in Mexico such as the Sierra Negra.[7] Major optical observatories include Mauna Kea Observatory and Kitt Peak National. Observatory") in the United States, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in Spain, and Paranal Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile.
A specific research study conducted in 2009 shows that the best possible location for a ground-based observatory on Earth is Crest A") - a location in the central part of East Antarctica.[8] This location provides the least atmospheric disturbances and the best visibility.
Based on the underground environment
As their name suggests, they are placed below the earth's surface.
A volcanological observatory is an institution that carries out monitoring of a volcano, as well as research in order to understand the possible impacts of active volcanism. Among the best known are the Hawaii Volcanological Observatory and the Vesuvian Observatory. There are mobile volcanic observatories with the USGS VDAP (Volcano Disaster Assistance Program), to be deployed on demand. Each volcanic observatory is assigned a geographic area of responsibility in which the observatory is responsible for disseminating activity forecasts, analyzing possible threats of volcanic activity and cooperating with communities in preparing for a volcanic eruption.[9].