Latitude Observatory Park Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

GeoSurveyors: Archiving in preparation for the upcoming geotrail.

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Hidden : 9/24/2015
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This is an easy cache at a very unique site that is special to Geodesists, Surveyors, Astronomers and Geocachers.

The City of Gaithersburg and five other cities around the globe are linked by a unique scientific endeavor that began more than 100 years ago. They are all home to latitude observatories which tracked the wobble of the Earth on its polar axis through star readings to aid in navigation. Other observatories can be found in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA); Ukiah, California (USA); Mizusawa, (Japan); Kitab, (Uzbekistan); and Caligari, Sardinia, (Italy).

The Gaithersburg Latitude 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 1980's, 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.




While at the park look for these five Geodetic Control Stations (Bench Marks) as you enjoy the grounds. The marks have been setup as waypoints for easy access. Click on the links below to view the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) datasheet for the station.

GAITHERSBURG OBS SOUTH
OBSERVATORY RM 1
GAITHERSBURG OBS NORTH 2
OBSERVATORY
GAITHERSBURG OBS MAG STA RESET

This is a historic site with access limited to between dawn and dusk.

This cache was approved by the City of Gaithersburg in October, 2015.

Please cover cache COMPLETELY when replacing. Thank You

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nal uvag V pbhyq tvir jbbq or ubyybj naq zvtug fghzc lbh.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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