Since 1885, the Blue Hill Observatory (designated as KQME on the NWS weather network) has been recording weather and climate data, providing a continuous record for over 120 years.
Measuring Instruments at this Location
The observatory has many instruments that the observatory maintains, as well as other instruments maintained by other organizations.
There are staffed observers at the observatory that make observations during the daytime hours. The instruments are located both on the building and in a pen area not far from the observatory.
There are instruments that are part of the ASOS network.
There is a Haze Cam/Cam net Web camera located on the building and shows the change in air quality and transparency in the direction of Boston and the western Boston metropolitan area.
Nearby is a trailer that makes measurements of the particles in the air that is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Several others.
History
The following is a summary of the history presented on their web site. The link is here: (
visit link) .
Abbott Lawrence Rotch constructed the stone building (much of which is still part of the present building) in 1885 and began observations. According to the web site, this makes it the oldest, continuously operating weather Observatory in the United States and a benchmark for world climatology. Just recently, I heard another qualifier - that all the observations were made at one location (for instance, the weather station for Boston has moved around and is now located at Logan Airport).
The hill that it is located is the largest in a ridge of gently sloping summits called the Blue Hills, and all are within the Blue Hills Reservation, run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
In the late 1890s and early 1900s, the Observatory conducted several experiments using kites to hoist instruments high up in the atmosphere and take measurements. This involved several technical challenges, including stabilizing the kite, using piano wire to withstand the tension, and steam powered winding machines to real the kites back in. The site reports that a maximum height of 15,793 feet about sea level was reached in 1900. Observatory staff also took park in experiments using balloons which eventually replaced kites.
In its early days, the observatory was associated with Harvard University. This relation ended in 1971, and for many years after, the observatory had diminished activity under the NWS. However, in 1981, several people came together and preserved the observatory and form a museum and science center. Around 1995, major rennovations to the building were complete, and the observatory was reopened to the public.
Visiting
Currently, it is open most weekends from spring through fall for tours. Special events are often held there, including kite making workshops, talks, and open houses. The Blue Hill Science Center is also an association of people who help to further the activities of the Observatory.