The Hong Kong Observatory was established in 1883, gained its Royal charter in 1912, then reverted back to non-Royal status when Hong Kong reverted to China in 1997. It’s the weather forecasting agency for Hong Kong and also looks at radiation levels and provides various services to shipping, aviation and others who need to know what’s going on outside.
The original Observatory building was superseded by a new building, next door, which was constructed around the time this stamp was printed, reflecting 100 years of observation. The structure’s location, combined with development of skyscrapers, reflections from glazed buildings and transport activity, mean that the Observatory is part of a heat island effect, meaning that very local temperatures are noticeably higher than those elsewhere in Kowloon.
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