Comet Observatory



The Comet Observatory is one of the many areas from Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. It acts as the 'hub' area, similar to Peach's Castle in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS or Delfino Plaza in Super Mario Sunshine. The Comet Observatory is controlled by Rosalina with her power, and it acts as the home for her and the Lumas.

It was built by Rosalina and Luma after Rosalina agreed to take care of him. It was built to be too big for the two. Soon, other Lumas came to live in the Observatory, and Luma transformed into the Comet that powers the Observatory.

The Comet Observatory normally comes into orbit around the Mushroom World every 100 years, and during that time, the people of the Mushroom Kingdom celebrate the Star Festival. During the current Star Festival, Bowser's forces attacked the Comet Observatory, causing it to rain down Star Bits onto Toad Town and he later attacked Toad Town while celebrating. The Comet Observatory also lost its power source: Grand Stars and Power Stars causing it to remain above the Mushroom Kingdom. Only when Mario rescues the Grand Stars can the Observatory fly again with Rosalina's help. Rosalina takes Mario (and Luigi) to the Center of the Universe to rescue Mario's "special one" - Peach.

It is accessed through a portal in the Gateway Galaxy and is where Rosalina lives. Much like Peach's Castle in Super Mario 64, or Delfino Plaza in Super Mario Sunshine, certain parts of the observatory are unlocked as Mario acquires Grand Stars and Power Stars. This is because the Grand Stars are used to power the large Beacon in the middle of the observatory. Once five Grand Stars are acquired, the observatory will have enough power to travel toward the center of the universe.

There are six Domes scattered throughout the Observatory. The Domes are used to access the Galaxies. Galaxies are accessed by getting more Power Stars to unlock more Domes. Additional Galaxies can be unlocked by feeding Hungry Lumas that appear. The Domes are the Terrace, the Fountain, the Kitchen, the Bedroom, the Engine Room, and the Garden. According to the Lumas, the Domes are used to view the cosmos.

When the black hole was created after Mario defeated Bowser in the final battle, the Observatory was also pulled into the zone. Just before it did though, part of it was crushed as Peach's Castle was pushed into the Comet Observatory's side, making parts of it be scattered like the Kitchen and even parts of the spire were separated. However, in the ending sequence after collecting 120 Power Stars and beating Bowser again, the Comet Observatory is revealed to be intact. Rosalina activates its forcefield and it flies off, to parts unknown.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
The Comet Observatory makes a brief appearance in the ending of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Unlike in the prequel, however, its role in this game is minor.