Observatory

a building equipped for observing natural phenomena, as in astronomy (A5)

Helioseismology

a study of the sun’s interior made by measuring waves given off or frequencies of various regions of the sun (A5)

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

a written statement that is part of the environmental review process; a finding that the project under review will not have significant environmental impact and thus is exempt from requirement for an environmental impact statement (A5)

Environmental review

a formal process in which the potential affects of a proposed project on the environment (and often on social and economic conditions) are examined; this process is mandated under federal, state, and local laws for many types of development (A5)

Environmental impact statement

a written statement that is part of the environmental review process; this statement examines a proposed projects’ environmental effects, effects on the community and state social and economic welfare, effects on economic activities, attempts to minimize adverse effects, and alternatives and their environmental effects (A5)

Environmental assessment

a written evaluation that is part of the environmental review process; these evaluations attempt to determine whether a proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment and are required by various government agencies in specified circumstances (A5)

Adaptive optics

telescope equipment that compensates for the effect of turbulence in the lower atmosphere as well as high above the earth’s surface (A5)