Visit Mt. Wilson Observatory this summer for telescope viewings, engineering tours, concerts, astronomy lectures and art events.
Talks and Telescopes: astronomy talks followed by picnicking and convivial stargazing through both the big telescopes. The evening begins with the talk at 5:30 p.m., followed by observing through both the 60- and 100-inch telescopes — the two largest telescopes in the world available for public use. The telescopes are open for viewing to lecture guests from dusk to 11:30 p.m. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available from members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope. The 100-inch telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe and so expanded our comprehension. The dome for the telescope — designed by Chicago architect D.H. Burnham—is a 20th century temple to science whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe and provides a unique setting for this ambitious music series. Concerts are scheduled June through October.
Public Ticket Nights: Individuals, rather than just groups, can experience the thrill of viewing celestial objects through the 60- and 100-inch telescopes. The telescope sessions are guided by an experienced telescope operator and session director, both with a thorough knowledge of the best objects to observe and the history of the Observatory, to enhance your experience.
Photo credit: Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome / photo by Irina Logra, courtesy of Mt. Wilson Observatory