The Dominion Observatory in Ottawa has been designated a national historic site by Parks Canada.
Housed within the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, also recognized as a national historic site, the Dominion Observatory served for more than 60 years as a center for scientific research and a gathering point for astronomers in the region.
Construction work on the complex began in 1902 and was completed in 1954.
The inauguration of the retractable copper dome in 1905 made it possible to use the octagonal tower as an observatory. Research work in the fields of astronomy, surveying, seismology and geophysics continued until 1970.
The precision of its master clock also helped establish the standards for official time throughout the country.
Beyond research, the Federal Observatory complex has been used to educate the public and popularize science. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada held public lectures, guided tours and even stargazing evenings there.
Open in full screen mode
The South Azimuth Building, founded in 1912, is an extension of the Federal Observatory and housed astronomical equipment.
Photo : - / Amadou Barry
The national observatory was originally created in 1890 by the federal government where the Supreme Court is located today.
-Due to light pollution, the observatory had to be moved to the northeastern part of the experimental farm, an area high enough to study astronomy and near a fault line suitable for seismological research.
Open in full screen mode
Miriam Burland was the first female astronomer to join the Dominion Observatory in 1927. (File photo)
Photo: Courtesy: Ingenium; Dominion Observatory Collection
Several other buildings were added to the complex over the years by the Office of the Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works, including the Observatory House in 1909, the South Azimuth Building in 1912, and the Building equatorial photo in 1914.
The site is still open to the public today and it is possible to visit it free of charge from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The National Historical Commemoration Program is sponsored by Parks Canada.
The program aims to highlight the people, places and events that have marked Canada’s history
in order to tell the stories of our identity and us [relier] to our past, thereby enriching our understanding of ourselves, others and the country
indicates Parks Canada, in a press release.
The public is invited to submit nomination proposals on the Parks Canada website (New window).
Related News :