Observatory.ph
Title
Manila Observatory
Description
History
The Manila Observatory is a private non-stock, non-profit, scientific research institution that was established in 1865 by the Jesuit mission in the Philippines. With Federico Faura at its inception, it was engaged in the systematic observation of Philippine weather. It began serving typhoon warnings in 1879, and embarked on earthquake observations in 1880. In 1884, The Spanish government issued a royal decree formally recognizing the Manila Observatory as the official Philippine institution for weather forecasting.
The years after saw the Observatory branching off into other areas of scientific research and service. In 1885, the Observatory began its time service that greatly benefited merchant shipping. A seismology section was established in 1887, and in 1899, the Observatory ventured into astronomical studies.
Recognizing the importance of the work of the Observatory, the American colonial government established it as the Philippine Weather Bureau in 1901. For about 45 years, the Observatory remained active and famous in international expositions and scientific expeditions. The Institution continued to be well known for its accurate typhoon forecasts and scientific works in the field of meteorology, geo-magnetism and astronomy.
