Bet you didn’t know that Weston Observatory at Boston College has been silently listening to the Earth’s rumbles since the 1930s. Today we are going to explore its history.
Weston Observatory is not just a building. It is a geophysical research laboratory. It belongs to Boston College’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The Observatory sits about 13 miles west of downtown Boston.
Since its early days, Weston Observatory has been dedicated to understanding earthquakes. It shares vital information after big earthquakes. It also promotes earthquake awareness. This helps to lessen the disasters earthquakes can cause.
The observatory is home to the New England Seismic Network. It also houses instruments for the World-Wide Standardized Seismograph Network. Inside, you will find offices, labs, and a geophysics library. Weston Observatory keeps tabs on earthquakes globally. It focuses on the northeastern United States and New England. It shares what it learns about seismic events. It is also a place for learning about earthquakes.
Way back in January 1931, the first seismographs were set up at the Campion Center. This was next to where Weston Observatory is now. For many years, the Jesuits took care of the instruments. In 1949, they moved everything to the new Weston College, now Weston Observatory. Boston College became connected to the Observatory in 1947. Later, in the late 1970s, Boston College purchased the buildings and land. The WWSSN instruments were installed in 1961.
The main goal of research at Weston Observatory is to study earthquakes. Scientists look at earthquakes both near and far. They study how dangerous earthquakes can be. They also work on ways to reduce earthquake risks.
Weston Observatory uses data from 17 seismographs across New England. This is called the New England Seismic Network or NESN. Most stations use special seismometers. These seismometers send ground motion data to the Observatory through the internet. Scientists at Weston Observatory constantly check this data. They confirm if earthquake reports are real. They also rely on reports from people who feel tremors.
Besides earthquakes, Weston Observatory also studies geology and paleobotany. Geologists study the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. They also analyze the geology of areas around the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists study the local geology of southern New England.
The Paleobotany Laboratory studies the origin of land plants. They use fossil spores from Paleozoic rocks around the world.
Weston Observatory also focuses on science education. The Boston College Educational Seismology Project began as a program. It put seismographs in schools. Now, it enriches students’ science education using seismology. The program has grown to include public libraries.
Let’s not forget Daniel Linehan. He significantly shaped Weston Observatory. Linehan’s records offer a peek into the Observatory’s work from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was a seismologist and director. His files include correspondence with groups that hired the Observatory for seismic studies. He also worked with Jesuit and scientific organizations.
Linehan contributed to the Vatican City, polar expeditions, and UNESCO Seismological Missions. His correspondence, travel diaries, and photos are part of the records.
Linehan was also an amateur radio fan. He served as Executive Secretary of the International Mission Radio Association.
So, as we wrap up our visit to Weston Observatory, remember it is more than just a place. It is a hub of research and education. It helps us understand the ground beneath our feet.