National Register of Historic Places
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory is a historic place in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Maryland, listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1985, and designated a National Historic Landmark. Its National Register reference number is 85001578.
Location 01
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
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About this place
What is 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.
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The record
Listing details
- Name
- Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
- City
- Gaithersburg
- County
- Montgomery County
- State
- Maryland
- Listed on the National Register
- July 12, 1985
- NRIS reference number
- 85001578
- Resource type
- district
- National Historic Landmark
- Yes
- Coordinates
- 39.13671, -77.19878
When was Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory listed on the National Register?
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1985.
Where is Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory located?
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory is located in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Maryland at approximately 39.13671, -77.19878. See the map above.
Is Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory a National Historic Landmark?
Yes. Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory is designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest federal recognition for a historic place.
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