Beat the Heat at 6000 Feet
TOUR - LUNCH - HIKE - SCENIC DRIVE
In 1904, the Mount Wilson Observatory was founded by George Ellery Hale under the auspices of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. In that year, Hale brought the Snow Solar Telescope from Yerkes Observatory in southern Wisconsin to the sunnier and steadier skies of Mount Wilson to continue his studies of the Sun. 
With a small cadre of Yerkes scientists and engineers accompanying him, Hale started what would become the world’s foremost astronomical research facility. Hale put such importance on studying the Sun, that it was called the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory for the first decade and a half. In 1919, soon after the largest telescope in the world, the 100-inch, went into service photographing the stars and nebulae, the word “Solar” was dropped. Hubble used the 100-inch to make his great discoveries–that we are just one of many galaxies in an ever expanding Universe. This telescope led directly to our current understanding of our origins, the Big Bang model.
Located on the summit of Mount Wilson above Pasadena at an altitude of 5715 feet, Mount Wilson Observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area. We will be admitted to the telescope floor directly beneath the 100-inch Telescope, the 60-inch Telescope dome, and the 150-solar Telescope Tower, unless our solar astronomer is unavailable. (Note: On rare occasions, one of the telescopes may be closed due to special events or maintenance.) Included, there is also a small Astronomical Museum on the observatory grounds, the CHARA Interferometry Exhibit, and some great hiking.
Meeting Location/Time:
6:15 AM at Palm Springs PetSmart/Walmart parking lot MAP. Departing at 6:30 AM. This is an early one, but its's summertime! For those meeting at Mt. Wilson please meet in the parking lot at 9:30 AM.
Bring:
- A lunch dish that serves four with serving utensils, and your favorite beverage and a cooler.
- Park Pass: If you have one. Each car will need a pass, or will have to buy a day pass. To purchase a pass click here,
The tour starts at 10 AM. The tour is about 2.5 hours long. After the tour we'll plan on a potluck picnic lunch. We will provide paper plates, forks, and napkins. Please bring your own beverages. It's high and dry so bring plenty of water as well. If you don't wish to participate in the picnic lunch there is the Cosmic Cafe (Website click here).
Hike: After lunch there is a 1.2 mile loop trail around the facility with terrific views of the Los Angeles basin. For those who would like to continue the adventure it is possible to drive back to Palm Springs via Wrightwood and the high desert.
Refunds / Cancel: No refunds, however it is transferable. Notify the trip leader if you need to cancel as there may be folks on the waitlist.
Hike Leader: H.L Todd. email click here
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
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