Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
The Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory on DeSellum Avenue in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It was established in 1899 as part of a system of six International Latitude Observatories to precisely measure the wobble of the Earth's rotating axis. The observatory building and adjacent monuments were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989 as a testament to international scientific cooperation. The observatory was taken out of service in 1982 after automation eliminated the need for human observations; the property is now owned by the city.
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
U.S. National Historic Landmark | |
Gaithersburg latitude observatory | |
| Location | DeSellum Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°8′12″N 77°11′57″W |
| Area | 2.3 acres (0.93 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Built by | Smith, Edwin |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001578 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 12, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | December 20, 1989 |
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