Below is an invitation from Dana Caccamise who is the new NGS regional advisor or CA/NV to attend a presentation detailing the USC&GS Latitude Observatory in Ukiah. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. For more info you can contact Dana at -- [email protected]
I would like to introduce myself and extend a personal invitation to attend this week’s events and meet me at the Ukiah Latitude Observatory. As the NGS ambassador for the region, I will provide a lecture and participate in the commemorative program this Thursday (2/26) and Saturday (2/28) in Ukiah, California.
All surveyors have relational ties to this facility, and we are very lucky to have this history in our back yard. I think this will be a terrific way to meet the members of the nearby chapters of the CLSA in an informal setting. I am afraid that someone may be left out, so please circulate this invitation to everyone that may be interested and please come out and say HELLO! Oh, and by the way it is free, so bring your families.
I am looking forward to meeting you there!
-Dana Caccamise
Ukiah Observatory
The International Latitude Observatories were a system of (originally) six observatories located near the parallel of 39° 08? north latitude. They were used to measure the variation in latitude that occurs as a result of the “wobble” of the Earth on its axis.
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (today the NGS) joined the International Polar Motion Service program in 1897 to study the precession, or “wobble” of the Earth’s axis, and its effect on measures of latitude. Six separate observatories were created along the parallel 39° 08? north latitude. The alignment of all six stations along the parallel helped the observatories to perform uniform data analysis.
The data collected by the Ukiah observatory are very much still relevant. The foundation for the studies of polar motion, the physical properties of the Earth, climatology and satellite tracking and navigation, are just a few of the modern day results of the incredible science that has fundamental root ties to these Observatories.
Heritage Asset on Loan to City of Ukiah, CA
NGS recently loaned the City of Ukiah, California, a Wanschaff zenith telescope for display in the original observatory building where it was used for nearly a century. This zenith telescope was one of six used to observe the wobble of the Earth on its axis. The International Geodetic Association organized a formalized polar motion program in 1899, with a central bureau in Europe and six observing stations, each situated near latitude 39° 08' north, with observatories in the United States located in Ukiah, California, and Gaithersburg, Maryland. NGS transferred ownership of the Ukiah observatory to the city at the end of the program, and the property is now a city park. Initially carried out by astronomers, this program was actually a study in geodesy and Earth physics. The loan will help promote NGS’ and Ukiah’s rich historical heritage.
The Specifics of the events:
February 26, 2015
Thursday 7:30 pm
City of Ukiah Civic Center
Council Chambers
300 Seminary Drive
Ukiah CA 95482
