Home>USA Tourists Attractions>Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire
Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire was set up in 1932. It is a non-profit organization that has been entrusted with the work of keeping watch on one of the planet’s most extreme places, the 6,288 foot summit of Mount Washington. Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire is a private, non-profit scientific and educational institution organized under the laws of the state of New Hampshire, USA.
Mount Washington Observatory has the mission to advance the understanding of the natural systems that create the Earth’s weather and climate. It maintains the mountain-top weather station, conduct research and educational programs and interpret the heritage of Mount Washington region.
The first regular meteorological observations on the Mount Washington area were conducted by the US Signal Service between the years 1870 and 1892. The Mount Washington Observatory re-occupied the summit in the year 1932 through the enthusiasm of a group of individuals who recognized the value of a scientific facility at the concerned location.
In the April of 1934, observers measured a wind gust of 231 mph, which till date remains a world record for a surface station. In spite of the hardships posed by the natural environment, observers regularly monitored weather under the auspices of the US Weather Bureau. Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire continues to record and disseminate weather information at this demanding location.
The Observatory also serves as a benchmark station for the measurement of cosmic ray activity in the upper atmosphere and develops robust instrumentation for severe weather environments. It conducts many types of severe weather research and testing on the summit.
There is a shop that sells Rocks and Fossils, 10-Inch Atomic Analog Clock and books like National Audubon Society's Field Guide to New England, The White Mountains; A Photographic Journey and Washburn: Extraordinary Adventures of a Young Mountaineer.