Cupola

A cupola is a structure that can be found on the top of a building.  It is a dome-shaped structure that is small.  They can usually be found on the tops of churches and cathedrals.  These structures can be used to allow more air and light to enter a building and they can also be used as lookout towers.  The word cupola comes from the Latin word Cupa meaning small cup.  This is likely because a cupola looks like a small cup turned upside down.  Cupolas can look like small buildings that are attached to the main roof of another structure.  A cupola can be a bell tower, lantern or simply an aesthetic crown to a tower.

Cupolas on the tops of roofs can have windows for people to look out of.  These may be referred to as a "belvedere."  Cupolas that have a bell that can be rung are called a belfry, which means bell tower.  A lantern identifies a cupola that have lights in it for guidance or simple illumination.

Some cupolas are large enough for people to be inside and view things down below.  When placed high enough, they can be used as watch towers.  Other cupolas are very small.  They may even be used to top off a gazebo.  Obviously, these would be too small for a person to enter, but it is possible that a bird could make a nest in one.  In many cases, a cupola is used just for decoration or to add the finishing touch to a roof.  If a cupola does not protrude out of the roof as highly as most and keeps a lower profile, it is often referred to as a monitor.  Pretty much any dome on top of a roof on a building can be considered to be some kind of cupola.

Cupola ISS Module

The Cupola is an observatory module built by the European Space Agency.  It is part of the International Space Station also known as ISS.  The module has seven windows that are used to observe the Earth and to do experiments.  The Cupola is also the largest window to ever be used in space.

The Cupola is used for observation and as a work area for the crew members of the ISS.  The larger windows allow the crew to observe the Earth and other surrounding objects while also being able to see enough to remotely control  the space station.  The Cupola name comes from the fact that the module is shaped like a dome.  The Cupola was originally started as a project of NASA and Boeing, but budget cuts resulted in the project being canceled.  However, NASA agreed to allow the ESA to resume the project in 1998.  Before the Cupola was put into use, astronauts on the ISS were confined to looking out very small windows.  Now, they are able to have a much wider field of vision and a better view for observation and other experiments.