Saturday, August 6, 2011

Mt. Wilson Week: Hubble and Beyond

Let's top off Mt. Wilson Week with a cool building on a hot day: the 100 inch telescope.

The knowledge that there are galaxies other than our own is relatively new. It was discovered by Edwin Hubble who worked right here in this building. You can go inside, see his bentwood chair and cool off while you contemplate the universe.

This building's innards are sealed up museum-style, but did you know you can book an observing session with the 60-inch telescope at Mt. Wilson? You were looking for an interesting gift. You needed an inspiring date location. There you go. You're welcome.

If that's a little steep for you, you can become a Friend of Mt. Wilson. Even handsome, famous, old observatories need friends.

20 comments:

dive said...

Boy, you sure know how to make a man's telescope feel inadequate, Petrea.

John Sandel said...

Top photo! I love the colors—it's like the prow of some neglected behemoth, dozing into the new millennium.

Petrea Burchard said...

Very funny, Dive, but your comment is followed by proof of the opposite. (Smiley face.)

Thank you, sweetie. You found the words for what this view stirred in me.

Bellis said...

It looks like a Sumo Transformer! It's fitting for this telescope, which was the largest and best in the world for many years - before the 200 inch at Palomar. (Size matters). I'm glad you've given it the respect it deserves.

Anonymous said...

I have an almost identical shot to your Thursday's, but without the hummingbird that makes it work.

Petrea Burchard said...

I found this view powerful, Bellis, and loved thinking of the discoveries made inside.

My hummingbird, your tree, Hiker.

Steven said...

Soooooooooooooooooooooooo. Size does indeed matter. All kidding aside, this is a very, very important historical place. And hopefully it will be for another 100 years.

Petrea Burchard said...

I hope so, Steven. When I think of all the discoveries made in astronomy in the last 100 years alone, it makes me want to come back in 100 years and find out what amazing stuff's been found.

John Sandel said...

'Zat a 2400 GHz multiband integrated anisotrope-tuned radio mesh in yer pocket, 'r'ya jest glad tsee me?

Petrea Burchard said...

Um, both?

Laurie Allee said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS photo!

Petrea Burchard said...

Hee! Thanks!

Hugo M. said...

@Petrea And now they are talking more seriously about the multiverse ;-)

Has been great the Mt Wilson Week.

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Hugo--What an interesting article! I'm trying to wrap my mind around it--like a bubble.

Ms M said...

Excellent ending shot! If I'm ever in the area, I'll definitely visit Mt. Wilson.

Petrea Burchard said...

Good idea, Ms. M. It's definitely one of our most eclectic attractions.

Susan Campisi said...

I just caught up on Mt. Wilson week posts. What an incredible tour! I definitely need to visit in person. And wow, that photo with the hummingbird is fantastic.

Petrea Burchard said...

Glad you liked the tour, Susan. I had fun doing it!

Unknown said...

It's like the Ewok's-eye view of a storm trooper.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh Cliff, I love that. I think you're absolutely right.