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 polar axis.

United States Coast and Geodetic Survey 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.

Economic difficulties and war caused the closings of some of the original stations, though a newer station was created in Uzbekistan after World War I. The various stations continued to function until advances in computer technology and satellite observations rendered them obsolete in 1982. The data collected by the observatories over the years still has use to scientists, and has been applied to studies of polar motion, the physical properties of the Earth, climatology and satellite tracking and navigation.

Ukiah Latitude Observatory Was Built in 1899

The small size of the building (12 feet square) and the esoteric character of the work that took place within speak modestly of the international importance of the landmark. The research provided all data used in polar motion studies for decades, and fostered international cooperation which transcended the differences between man during times of war and international strain.

The city acquired the property in 1991 but the observatory and adjoining land was closed to the public until March 2014. A $54,000 grant from the California Land and Water Conservation Fund, along with matching funds from the City of Ukiah, made the improvements necessary to reopen the park.

A large heritage Valley Oak anchors the north end of the park. Spreading before it is a large grassy field providing an unobstructed view of the iconic tree.

Ukiah’s first Pétanque court was completed in 2010 for the game of boules, or balls, closely related to bocce by the Redwood Empire Boules Club.

A peace pole, dedicated to Erica Enzer, an international peace activist and former member of the Ukiah War Resistor’s League is located adjacent to the Grove of Nations (trees representing each of the regions where the latitude observatories were located).

The park has had improvements made before its public opening, including the restoration of the historic observatory and a labyrinth (pictured at left) installed in 2005.

The former observer’s residence has been used by Ukiah Unified School District since 2011 for the Community Transition Program which assists special needs students aged 18 to 22.

For more information about how you can become involved in preserving the Ukiah Latitude Observatory and our community’s cultural heritage, contact :

Martin Bradley

City of Ukiah

411 W. Clay St

Ukiah, CA 95482

707-467-5768

mbradley@cityofukiah.com

Observatory Park: Tours of Earth & Sky

Observatory Park is the home of the Ukiah Latitude Observatory, one of five international latitude observatories around the world operated from 1899 to 1982. The City of Ukiah offers several events associated with this unique park:

• Tours of Earth and Sky: Park Interpreter Martin Bradley will host a lecture series in the Ukiah Civic Center’s Council Chambers with guest speakers offering talks on astronomy and the natural sciences.
• Docent Tours of the Observatory and park are scheduled by appointment for small groups and individuals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
• Open Skies are scheduled periodically where amateur astronomers bring their telescopes, experience, and knowledge to explore the moon, planets, and deep sky wonders.

There is no charge for these events. Reservations are required and young children are welcome with a supervising adult. If you have questions, are interested in upcoming lectures, would like to schedule a tour, or are interested in finding out about the public viewing nights, call 707-467-5768.

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