Comet Observatory
- "Rosalina's Observatory" redirects here. For the musical theme fromSuper Mario Galaxy, seeRosalina in the Observatory. For the race course inMario Kart World known as "Rosalina's Observatory" in Japan, China, and Korea, seeStarview Peak.
| Comet Observatory | |
|---|---|
 Artwork fromSuper Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 | |
| First appearance | Super Mario Galaxy (2007) |
| Latest appearance | Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2025) |
| Greater location | Outer space |
| Ruler | Rosalina |
| Inhabitants | Lumas(Baby Luma,Comet Luma,Hungry Lumas,Polari),Gearmo |
- “Welcome to the Comet Observatory. It's my home, and also home to theLumas.”
- —Rosalina,Super Mario Galaxy
TheComet Observatory (also called theObservatory Grounds or just theObservatory bySuper Mario Galaxy's pause menus) is one of the many areas fromSuper Mario Galaxy. It acts as the hub area, similar to theMushroom Castle inSuper Mario 64 andSuper Mario 64 DS orDelfino Plaza inSuper Mario Sunshine. The Comet Observatory is a space station controlled byRosalina, and it acts as the home of both her and theLumas, as well as a singleGearmo.
History[edit]
Super Mario series[edit]
Super Mario Galaxy[edit]
| Comet Observatory | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Comet Observatory as viewed from a circular platform by theBedroom. | |||||||
| Game | Super Mario Galaxy Super Mario 3D All-Stars | ||||||
| Number of levels | 13(outside ofdomes) | ||||||
| |||||||
The Comet Observatory was built by Rosalina andLuma after Rosalina agreed to take care of him. Over time, it grew to be too big for just the two of them. Soon, other Lumas came to live in the Comet Observatory as well, and Luma transformed into a comet so that it could travel through the cosmos.
The Comet Observatory normally comes into orbit around theEarth every 100 years, and during that time, the people of theMushroom Kingdom celebrate theStar Festival, thinking that the observatory is simply a comet. During the most recent Star Festival however,Bowser's forces attacked the Comet Observatory, causing it to lose its power source:Grand Stars andPower Stars. They were scattered throughout the cosmos following the attack, causing the Comet Observatory to remain immobilized above the Mushroom Kingdom. He later attackedToad Town during their celebrations. Only afterMario recovers five out of seven Grand Stars can the Observatory fly like a starship again. When this has been accomplished, Rosalina takes Mario (orLuigi) to theCenter of the Universe to rescuePrincess Peach.
The Comet Observatory can be accessed through a portal in theGateway Galaxy. Throughout the game, there are plenty of characters residing here, including Mario, Rosalina, the Lumas, Luigi, and the Toad Brigade. Much likePeach's Castle inSuper Mario 64 orDelfino Plaza inSuper Mario Sunshine, certain parts of the observatory are unlocked asMario gradually acquiresGrand Stars andPower Stars. This is because the Grand Stars are used to power the largebeacon in the middle of the Comet Observatory, which enables it to transform into a comet and fly across the cosmos. Once five Grand Stars have been acquired, the observatory will have enough power to travel toward the center of the universe. After six Grand Stars have been obtained while the total Stars obtained is less than 60,Polari says that the beacon is the brightest that it can be.
There are sixdomes located throughout the Comet Observatory, which act as Mario's means of accessing all of the galaxies that he will encounter in the game. In order, the domes are theTerrace, theFountain, theKitchen, theBedroom, theEngine Room, and theGarden. Galaxies are accessed by collecting multiplePower Stars to unlock more and more domes. Additional Galaxies can be unlocked by feeding the sevenHungry Lumas that appear outside each dome (and theGate). According to the Lumas, the domes are used to view the cosmos. Other areas in the Observatory are theGarage, theLibrary, and the Gate.
AfterBowser's giant sun collapses into a massiveblack hole following his defeat byMario in the final battle, the Comet Observatory is pulled towards the black hole. Parts of the observatory are broken off and scattered asPeach's Castle crashes into the side of it. However, the Lumas all sacrifice themselves by jumping into the black hole, creating a large explosion and reforming the entire cosmos. It can also be inferred that this explosion reformed the Comet Observatory, as it is seen intact in the ending sequence after collecting 120 Power Stars and defeating Bowser a second time. Rosalina transforms it into a comet once again and then flies off to parts unknown.
As the game progresses, the waltz-like theme that plays in this area gains more instruments, though theGateway Galaxy theme plays instead before the player completes the first mission. If Mario or Luigi try to jump off the Comet Observatory, they will be enveloped in an energy-like bubble and return to safe ground. After completingBowser's Dark Matter Plant for the first time, a countdown will appear on the tiles underneath Rosalina, showing the number of Power Stars to collect before the player can fight Bowser. Once the counter reaches zero, the Comet Observatory will have full power and grant the player access toBowser's Galaxy Reactor and the final battle. After clearing the final battle for the first time, the same countdown will return, showing how many Power Stars are still left to be collected. When all of the stars are finally collected, fulfilling 100% completion, then the countdown will read zero and it will be possible to access "another world" and play as Luigi (first playthrough as Mario) or accessGrand Finale Galaxy (second playthrough as Luigi).
Super Mario Galaxy 2[edit]
The Comet Observatory is absent from most of the game, as its role as a hub level is now filled byStarship Mario. Once Mario has obtained enough Power Stars to accessBowser's Galaxy Generator, he, Baby Luma, andLubba witness from the starship a large comet being drawn into Bowser's fortress. This comet resembles the observatory as it was seen flying in the previous game, and Baby Luma's despairing reaction to seeing it heavily implies that they are the one and the same. Lubba speculates that Bowser must be seeking to become even larger, indicating he had been trying to steal power from the observatory and at the same time keep it from aiding Mario on his journey.
Once Mario has defeated Bowser for the final time and returned to Starship Mario with Peach, the two watch as the Comet Observatory flies up to them and Rosalina appears from inside, seeking to finally reunite with her lost Baby Luma. After thanking Mario for his help, Baby Luma takes his hat as a memento, so that he never forgets the adventures they went on, before departing in the observatory with his mother.
The final planet of theGrandmaster Galaxy, where Mario encounters Rosalina once more later on, also resembles the Comet Observatory'sGate.
Super Mario 3D World /Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[edit]
The Comet Observatory makes an appearance in the background of World Star-2 (Super Galaxy), which is based off of theSuper Mario Galaxy games. The Comet Observatory can also be seen faintly in the top right ofSuper Mario 3D World's full group artwork, and in the sky abovePeach's Castle after the game's credits.[1]
Mario Kart series[edit]
A structure that strongly resembles the Comet Observatory appears on the side of theRosalina's Ice World course inMario Kart 7,Mario Kart Tour, andMario Kart 8 Deluxe. Instead of featuring a peach tent with purple outlining, it appears in an aqua color, but still includes the stars on the side of the observatory. It lacks any domes and most structures besides the beacon and the main tent, but inMario Kart Tour andMario Kart 8 Deluxe, it sits on top of a large circular brick platform. However, it serves only as a part of the course's background.
InMario Kart World, a structure that resembles the Comet Observatory appears as a part of theStarview Peak course and lacks most structures similar to Rosalina's Ice World inMario Kart 7. It is close to the size of how the Comet Observatory looks inSuper Mario Galaxy and is located at the peak of a large mountain on the upper-right section of the map. Its overall design is revamped and features an indoor section with a library (resembling the Comet Observatory'sLibrary) and observatory. A painting of the Comet Observatory itself appears in the library, being viewable in Free Roam.
Mario Tennis Open[edit]
The Comet Observatory first appears in the title screen ofMario Tennis Open. It is seen hovering with theGalaxy Arena above the Earth. It appears prominently as a background for the Star Open's Final cup, the Galaxy Arena. One can clearly see the contents of the observatory by simply switching the camera's angle.
When the game is played in Tournament Mode for the first time and the player beats the World Open, the player receives an invitation from the Comet Observatory stating that the player is now proclaimed as a Star Player and is now able to play in the Star Open.
Mario Party: Island Tour[edit]
The Comet Observatory is seen in the background ofRocket Road inMario Party: Island Tour for theNintendo 3DS. When a character wins the game, they circle the Observatory in a victory lap. In this game, both the Fountain area of the Observatory and thebeacon are absent.
Mario Golf: World Tour[edit]
The Comet Observatory appears inMario Golf: World Tour in Rosalina's best post-hole animations (aneagle or better).
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge[edit]
The Comet Observatory makes an appearance in the background of Mini Rosalina's levels inMini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge. The observatory has a few differences, such as the Garden platform and the Engine Room platforms having been replaced with glowing rings. The Fountain is much farther from the observatory than usual, and the front platform is, upon closer examination, missing.
Mario Sports Superstars[edit]
SinceMario Sports Superstars reuses Rosalina's golf animations fromMario Golf: World Tour, the Comet Observatory reappears in the same capacity.
Dr. Mario World[edit]
InDr. Mario World, the Comet Observatory appears in the second area ofWorld 8. When the second area is cleared, thebeacon lights up.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope[edit]
The Comet Observatory appears inMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, where it is taken over byCursa and made a part ofCursa's stronghold. The observatory's beacon becomes the source of allDarkmess spreading across the galaxy, and also serves as the entrance to the core of theDarkmess Dimension where Cursa resides.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie[edit]
This section isreferring to a subject in an upcoming or recently released film. When the film is released, or more information about this subject is found, this section may need major rewriting.
This notice should be removed after a month has passed since the film was first released.
The Comet Observatory makes an appearance inThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Music[edit]
- Main article:Rosalina in the Observatory
 Rosalina in the Observatory 1 - Comet Observatory theme before beatingThe Fiery Stronghold. | File info 0:30 |
| Rosalina in the Observatory 2 - Comet Observatory theme after beatingThe Fiery Stronghold and before beatingDarkness on the Horizon. | File info 0:30 |
| Rosalina in the Observatory 3 - Comet Observatory theme after beatingDarkness on the Horizon. | File info 0:30 |
The Comet Observatory's background music is titled "Rosalina in the Observatory". It has made multiple reappearances in later games, includingSuper Mario Galaxy 2, theSuper Smash Bros. series,Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, andMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Gallery[edit]
Super Mario Galaxy[edit]
Data-rendered model.
Texture from the storybook-styled prologue cutscenes.
Texture from the storybook-styled prologue cutscenes.
Texture from the storybook-styled prologue cutscenes.
Texture from the storybook-styled prologue cutscenes.
Texture from the storybook-styled prologue cutscenes.
Texture from the storybook-styled cutscenes shown duringRosalina's synopsis.
Texture from the storybook-styled cutscenes shown during Rosalina's synopsis.
Texture from the storybook-styled cutscenes shown during Rosalina's synopsis.
View from the front
The central area of the Comet Observatory.
The entrance to theTerrace.
TheGarage.
The entrance to theFountain.
The entrance to theLibrary.
The entrance to theKitchen.
The entrance to theBedroom.
The entrance to theEngine Room.
TheGate, which leads to theGateway Galaxy.
The entrance to theGarden.
The GreenLaunch Star leading to thePlanet of Trials.
Subsequent appearances[edit]
Key artwork fromSuper Mario 3D World (it cameos in the upper-right corner, behindWorld Bowser)
Screenshot fromMario Golf: World Tour
Screenshot fromDr. Mario World
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Mario Kart World (sticker)
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ほうき Hōkiboshi no Tenmondai | Comet Observatory | |
| Chinese(Simplified) | 长尾星天文台[?] Chángwěixīng Tiānwéntái(Mandarin) Chèuhngméihsīng Tīnmàhntòih(Cantonese) | "Comet Observatory"; from Hakka, Hokkien"长尾星" /「長尾星」(chhòng-mî-sên /tn̂g-bóe-chheⁿ, Mandarinchángwěixīng / Cantonesechèuhngméihsīng, "comet") | |
| Chinese(Traditional) | 長尾星天文台[?] Chángwěixīng Tiānwéntái(Mandarin) Chèuhngméihsīng Tīnmàhntòih(Cantonese) | "Comet Observatory"; from Hakka, Hokkien"长尾星" /「長尾星」(chhòng-mî-sên /tn̂g-bóe-chheⁿ, Mandarinchángwěixīng / Cantonesechèuhngméihsīng, "comet") | |
| 掃帚星天文台[?] Sàozhǒuxīng Tiānwéntái(Mandarin) Soujáausīng Tīnmàhntòih(Cantonese) | Comet Observatory | Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 | |
| 彗星天文台[4] Huìxīng Tiānwéntái(Mandarin) Waihsīng Tīnmàhntòih(Cantonese) | Monopoly: Super Mario Celebration! | ||
| Dutch | Kometenobservatorium[?] | Comet Observatory | |
| Kometenwacht[?] | Portmanteau ofkomeet ("comet") andsterrenwacht ("observatory") | Mario Golf: World Tour only | |
| French | Observatoire de la comète[?] | Comet Observatory | |
| German | Sternwarte des Kometen[?] | Comet Observatory | |
| Greek | Κομήτιο-Παρατηρητήριο[5] Komítio-Paratiritírio | Comet Observatory | |
| Italian | Osservatorio Cometa[?] | Comet Observatory | |
| Korean | 별똥별 천문대[6] Byeolddongbyeol Cheonmundae | Comet Observatory | |
| Portuguese | Observatório de Cometas[7] | Comet Observatory | |
| Observatório Cometa[8] | Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | ||
| Romanian | Observatorul de Comete[9] | The Comet Observatory | |
| Russian | Обсерватория «Комета»[?] Observatoriya «Kometa» | "Comet" Observatory | |
| Slovenian | Kometni observatorij[10] | Comet Observatory | |
| Spanish | Planetarium del Cometa[?] | Comet Planetarium |
Notes[edit]
- When Rosalina transforms the Comet Observatory into a comet, all of the Warp Pads are missing.
- When the player first unlocks the observatory, the ceiling and sloped circular floor where the beacon is are a dark shade of purple on the inner parts with magenta on the outer parts; however, if the player enters the Terrace or saves and exits to the title screen, then returns to the observatory, the dark purple turns to an off-white color.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^GameXplain (November 21, 2013).Super Mario 3D World: Ending & Credits (Spoilers!).YouTube (English). Retrieved May 25, 2024.
- ^Nintendo (2007).スーパーマリオギャラクシー：プロローグ.Nintendo (Japanese). Retrieved May 8, 2016 from nintendo.co.jp. (Archived October 31, 2007, 05:43:00 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^"さすれば、このほうき
星 の天文台 も星船 としての機能 を回復 し" – シン (February 2, 2016).【実況】ぽんこつ配管工 スーパーマリオギャラクシーでたわむれる part1.Nicovideo. Retrieved May 12, 2016. - ^【NSEWatch開箱】Hasbro 超級瑪利歐慶典版大富翁 (中文版)！Monopoly Super Mario！
- ^«Από τους διαφορετικούς θόλους στο Κομήτιο-Παρατηρητήριο, μπορείς να ταξιδέψεις σε κοντινούς γαλαξίες με κάθε είδους μοναδικά χαρακτηριστικά.» –Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 game page.CD Media S.E. (Greek). Retrieved January 20, 2026 from nintendo.gr. (Archived November 2, 2025, 18:50:11 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^색선희준 (October 19, 2024).Blog post about the Korean version of Monopoly: Super Mario Celebration!, featuring photographs of the game and its pieces.Tistory (Korean). Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ^"Aqui é o Observatório de Cometas. Este lugar é a minha casa e também a casa das Lumas." – Rosalina.Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Switch). Brazilian Portuguese.
- ^"Aquele é... é o Observatório Cometa da Rosalina!" – Rabbid Rosalina.Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Brazilian Portuguese.
- ^"Explorează planete, recuperează Marile Stele și călătorește prin univers în Observatorul de Comete într-o misiune pentru a-l opri pe Bowser să-și creeze propria galaxie." ("Explore planets, recover the Great Stars, and travel through the universe in the Comet Observatory in a mission to stop Bowser from creating his own galaxy.") –Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 game page.CD Media S.E. (Romanian). Retrieved February 8, 2026 from cdmediase.eu. (Archived January 21, 2026, 15:06:16 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^"Razišči planete, pridobi Velike Zvezde in potuj po vesolju z Kometnim observatorijem, da preprečiš Bowserju ustvariti svojo lastno galaksijo." –Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 game page.CD Media S.E. (Slovenian). Retrieved February 8, 2026 from cdmediase.eu. (Archived December 6, 2025, 19:13:10 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
[Edit] Mario Tennis Open | ||
|---|---|---|
| Playable characters | Default | Mario •Luigi •Princess Peach •Yoshi •Princess Daisy •Boo •Bowser Jr. •Diddy Kong •Donkey Kong •Waluigi •Wario •Bowser •Mii |
| Unlockable | Luma •Baby Mario •Baby Peach •Dry Bowser | |
| Obtained from QR code | Red Yoshi •Blue Yoshi •Light Blue Yoshi •Yellow Yoshi •Pink Yoshi •Black Yoshi •White Yoshi •Metal Mario | |
| Non-playable characters | Toad •Lakitu •Toads •Goomba •Mechakoopa •Penguin •Shy Guy •Koopa Troopa •Piranha Plant •Inky Piranha Plant •Buzzy Beetle •Koopa Paratroopa | |
| Courts | Mario Stadium •Mushroom Valley •Wario Dunes •DK Jungle •Bowser's Castle •Penguin Iceberg •Peach's Palace •Galaxy Arena | |
| Cups | Mushroom Cup •Flower Cup •Banana Cup •Champions Cup •1-Up Mushroom Cup •Ice Flower Cup •Shell Cup •Final Cup | |
| Special Games | Ring Shot •Super Mario Tennis •Galaxy Rally •Ink Showdown | |
| Miscellaneous | Emblem •Fan Poll •Gallery •Gear •Multimedia •Staff | |
[Edit] The Super Mario Galaxy Movie | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characters | Baby Luma •Birdo •Bowser •Bowser Jr. •Chef Toad •Clawgrip •Kamek •Luigi (Baby Luigi) •Mario (Baby Mario) •Megaleg •Mouser •Princess Peach •Rosalina •Toad •Yoshi | |
| Species | Bat •Biddybud •Blooper •Bob-omb •Butterfly •Buzzy Beetle •Chain Chomp •Cheep Cheep (Big Cheep Cheep) •Coin Coffer •Human •Lakitu •Luma •Moe-Eye •Monty Mole •Ninji •Octoomba •Octoguy •Shy Guy •Sledge Bro •Snifit •Spike •T. Rex •Toad •Tostarenan | |
| Forms | Fire Mario •Frog Mario •Mini Mario •Wonder Bowser Jr. | |
| Locations | Comet Observatory (Library) •Desert Area •Mushroom Kingdom •Peach's Castle | |
| Miscellaneous | Gallery •ItsGalaxyTime.com (Discover Your Out-of-This-World Snack ·Make the Mario Galaxy Movie Matches) •The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Activity Kit | |
