Newbie question regarding Observation Posts

[Haldurson]

Several times in my current game, I've gotten quick pop ups regarding opportunities to build observation posts. No entry is created in my situation log, and I can't seem to ever locate the proper planet that is being referred to. I've tried doing a search based on my memory, but the typeface is very tiny so I'm not sure I'm spelling it right, and that never seems to find it anyway. I've also tried selecting my construction ship, but I can't figure out what icon or anything I'm supposed to be looking for to see what a valid location for an observation post looks like. All I see are "this is not a valid location for an observation post" when I select just about every single system that I've explored.

Also, because there's no record in the situation log, or anywhere else, I can't even bring the message back up. I see the game telling me that I should build one, but I have no idea where.

What am I missing?

[Dysta]

The galaxy icon for the observation post is an eyeball at the center of the hexagon button, right side of the system name.

[Haldurson]

Is that for one that's already built? My problem is that I can't build one. And I don't see that particular icon that you describe anywhere.

I assume it has to be in a system that you've already surveyed, correct?

[Dysta]

Yes, and within your border.

[deadsanta]

The best way to find those races are in the empire tabs. Just click off anything except "primatives" and you'll see all the ones you've met, with a zoom button attached to go to their homeworld. You can sort by distance or just look for ones in your space by clicking the "galaxy" sort button to "empire".

[Haldurson]

Well it happened again, and this time I paused the game, found the planet (it's not marked at all on the galactic view). Unfortunately, despite the message that I should build an observation post, I also was told that I cannot actually build one (in this case, yes, because it was outside my border).