Did You Know?

In this week's Did You Know, we take a deeper look at a small observatory in Gaithersburg. For the facts of the story, we relied on MontgomeryMag.com and Joe Blanton's blog. Thanks to them for their help!

Did you know that a small observatory in Gaithersburg, built in the 1890s, was part of the International Geodetic Association’s system of observatories and is the only National Historic Landmark in Gaithersburg?

This small, unobtrusive, shed-like structure was one of six observatories built by 1899 to track the Earth’s “wobble,” that is, the changes in latitude caused by the Earth's movement on its polar axis. 

The Gaithersburg observatory and five others worldwide (in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ukiah, Calif.; Mizusawa, Japan; Tschardjui, Russia; and Carloforte, Italy) were built along the same parallel of latitude, 39º 8’ N.

Each observatory studied and charted the same 12 groups of stars, using the same type of Zenith telescope. It was Japanese astronomer Dr. Hisashi Kimura who directed the schedule and duration of what star groups would be studied from the station in Mizusawa, Japan.

“In its working years, the roof would slide back to allow the telescope an open view of the sky,” wrote Joe Blanton, former director of research correspondence at National Geographic and observatory blogger.

“I’ve always been intrigued that one of these observatories is here in my hometown of Gaithersburg," he added.

The station was closed in 1982, when satellites rendered the observatory’s optical technology obsolete.

In 1990, the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory was given National Historic Landmark status, and this past May, a new park opened on DeSellum Avenue in Gaithersburg that features the fully restored observatory building.

To learn more about this Gaithersburg landmark, take some time to visit the newly renovated Gaithersburg Community Museum where a new exhibit, “Scientific Equipment of the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory” is on display.