Royal Observatory (ETW building)
| National Observatory Royal Observatory | |
|---|---|
| Category: | Culture |
| Level: | 2 |
| Turns to build: | 4 |
| Building cost: | 2500 |
| |
| Requires | |
 Opera House | |
| Enables | |
 Royal Academy | |
An observatory is a centre for many scientific studies, not just astronomy. All the physical sciences are advanced here.
The study of the heavens leads to advances in mathematics, and improvements in scientific instrument making, horology and, perhaps most importantly of all, navigation and surveying. Accurate star charts and lunar tables (showing the phases of the moon) enable sailors to determine their position at sea, and a navy that can navigate accurately is one that can carry out its duties effectively. An observatory is also a centre for national prestige, as discoveries made and published reflect well on the institute and the nation that funds its work.
Historically, observatories were vital in the development of navigation and accurate clocks. This is why the zero-degree longitude line passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London (until 1884 most states used their own nationalistic reference points). Indeed, the nationalism of astronomy often leads to ignorance of the observations and deductions of non-European astronomers.
Astronomers could also be outrageous flatterers. After he discovered what he thought was a new planet, Sir William Herschel chose the name “Georgium Sidus”, or George’s Star, in a transparent bit of sucking up to his patron, King George III. Other astronomers flirted with the name “Herschel” then settled on “Uranus” for the new planet.
This building can only be built in the faction capital.