what is the difference between 観察 and 観測

Question

According to JDIC, both mean "observation". Judging from the Kanji used, I'm guessing the difference is 観測 has a nuance of observing something and measuring some aspect of it or taking data, whereas 観察 is just to observe and monitor what's happening.

Answer 1

You guess is right. And 観測 can also mean prediction based on the data observed (e.g. 希望的観測).

Some details can be found is the explanation of the two word: 観察 観測