Visit to the International Latitude Observatory

Yesterday my wife and I needed to drop off our aging poodle Lucy for dental surgery at the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Gaithersburg. The surgery was to take about 3-4 hours, and so after we arrived at around 7:45AM, we had some time to kill. Our ultimate location was Capital Quilts (directly across the parking lot from the Veterinary Center), but it didn't open until 11:00.

So we headed over to the Silver Diner RIO in the new RIO Lakefront Mall where we had a wonderful breakfast/lunch. We then took in the sights of the small lake/pond, this after I spent 15-20 minutes searching for my car in the parking garage. Turns out I entered from a different side and got disoriented. This is what happens when you reach the senior years!

But just prior to getting to the quilt shop, we headed to a small park that Joan had researched as a possible site to visit - an interesting astronomy related site called the International Latitude Observatory. Nestled right in the middle of a small area called Observatory Heights lies the Observatory Park, just across from Gaithersburg High School. A small park, with only about eight parking spaces on the small street, surrounds the International Latitude Observatory. 

Built in 1899 the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory became part of an international project to measure the earth’s wobble on its polar axis. The Observatory operated from 1899 to 1982, when satellites replaced human observers. It is still active, however, with GPS systems using survey markers installed on these grounds to make periodic course corrections. Fully restored in the 1980s, the observatory building, the meridian mark pier, and the five geodetic monuments scattered throughout the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Unfortunately (or maybe not) the observatory building was gated off and locked, but it was a nice place to visit. 

View along the Meridian line

The Observatory

Meridian Mark Pier
used to align the telescope

Markers representing one of the other four locations

We finally got to the quilt shop where we both spent some money (amateur astrophotography is not the only hobby that can drain your budget!). I needed some supplies for items I'm designing and sewing for sale in my shop, Maryland Fiber Arts, LLC. Joan picked up some nice yardage as you can never have enough fabric. She creates quilts for sale in the shop.

Lucy was picked up around 1:00 or so, and we headed back home. She is doing fine considering she had ALL her teeth extracted! But she is not a happy camper!! We continue to remind her that recovery will take some time and then all will be good. I'm not sure she is convinced.