Backyard Observatory

The Backyard Observatory is an object in The Sims 4, replacing the telescope object from previous games. It costs §1,500 and is found in the "Activities and Skills" section in build mode, under "Knowledge".

The Backyard Observatory allows Sims to "Observe the Sky", which raises their logic skill and fun motive, and gives them a focused moodlet. Sims who have achieved level 4 in the mischief skill can "Spy on Neighborhood", which can give them either a bored, embarrassed, flirty, or playful moodlet.

After achieving a high enough level in the handiness skill, Sims can upgrade their observatory. At level 8 they can "Reinforce Telescopic Pivots", which reduces how often the telescope will break. At level 9 they can "Augment Telescopic Eyepiece", which increases the chance to success when using the telescope. The Backyard Observatory is also place where Sims can WooHoo.

A Backyard Observatory can be found in Myshuno Meadows in San Myshuno, that is a personal observatory of the deceased scientist Barnabas Skye. Another Backyard Observatory can be found in the Geekcon festival, that has a unique interaction "Spy On Apartments", which gives Sims a flirty moodlet.