Science in Gaithersburg

Discover 2 places to experience unusual science in Gaithersburg.

NIST kilogram masses characteristic of the National Prototype Standard

Gaithersburg, Maryland

U.S. National Prototype Kilogram

This golfball sized platinum iridium cylinder is the official starting point for all national weight calibrations

Gaithersburg, Maryland

World's Largest Deadweight Machine

The U.S. government built the million-pound stack of steel during the Space Race.

Are we missing something unusual in Gaithersburg?

Add it!

Countries

Cities

Science in Gaithersburg

Discover 2 places to experience unusual science in Gaithersburg.

U.S. National Prototype Kilogram

World's Largest Deadweight Machine

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Trips Highlight

NEW —Wild South Africa

Delhi and Rajasthan: Colors of India

Upcoming Experiences

Accidental Discoveries

Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: The "Mutes"

Rites of Spring: Nature, Myth, and Legends

Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Arctic Ghosts

Accidental Discoveries

Upcoming Courses

How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head

Life Without Light: Creatures in the Dark With Sarah McAnulty

Designing Walking Tours With Hadley Meares

A Brief History of Scent With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Clowning for Novices: History and Practice With Rose Carver

Latest Places

The Convent of St. Dominic's Cross

Viksø Helmets

Quarantainestation Heijplaat (Heijplaat Quarantine Center)

Mr Therm Balcony Railings

Top Destinations

Countries

Cities

Latest Places to Eat & Drink

Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar

Debauve & Gallais

Chorsu Bazaar

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

Sanshing Green Onion Culture Palace

Most Recent Stories

Podcast: Oh, the Places You Will Go... to See These Notable Trees

White Rice Is Bland? These Japanese Researchers Beg to Differ

Turn Your Garden Into an 'Ark of Taste' for Nearly Lost Plants

Podcast: Tree Week Love Letters

U.S. National Prototype Kilogram

World's Largest Deadweight Machine