Observatories were initially devoted to astronomical studies and were popular in many countries. Several observatories were established in India since early modern times, both by colonial authorities as well as by native rulers and by private individuals and institutions, such as St Xavier's College in Kolkata. Since late 90s of the last century, cultural observatories have become a commonplace. As for Observers, we have several prominent newspapers with that designation. Observers are also individuals selected for their expertise to act as neutral witnesses to elections or other activities which need a fair play for the benefit of general public.
I would appreciate opinions on this phenomenon, and particularly if "neutrality" is really seen in practice. For instance, is not the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights a one-man show by someone who was imprisoned more than once for violent activism and now continues his activism from UK base?
There is no doubt that they perform a wonderful and unselfish role in many situations, but it seems to be also facing the ambiguities of NGOs which often function as covers for the funding interests that pay for their activities.
http://www.goanobserver.in/2016/10/22/eye-of-the-observer/
Observatories have started their astronomical observations with the collaboration of amateurs and research institutes. some observatories are carrying out spectroscopic observations of stars and galaxies. To grasp the wonders of the cosmos and understand its infinite variety and splendor, we must collect and analyze radiation emitted by phenomena throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
it is a question of lexicology. Not everything that is named an observatory is actually one. What is your subject? An observer is a quite generic word, whilst an observatory is a scientific institution with tools such a telescopes. Any other use is like the trend to call everything a lab or laboratory. It is pointless to try to tackle it all. Tackle the abuse, tackle the scientific cloud to obfuscate and create an aura of science, tackle the sciencitific history...