Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory | |
 Gaithersburg latitude observatory | |
   | |
| Location | DeSellum Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°8′12″N 77°11′57″W / 39.13667°N 77.19917°W |
| Area | 2.3 acres (0.93 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Built by | Smith, Edwin |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001578[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 12, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | December 20, 1989 |
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.[2] 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.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "NHL nomination for Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory". National Park Service. Retrieved March 31, 2017.