James Lick Observatory

USA / California / East Foothills / Mount Hamilton Road, 7281
 observatory, astronomy, place with historical importance
7281 Mount Hamilton Road
Mount Hamilton, CA 95140
(408) 274-5061
mthamilton.ucolick.org/

James Lick Observatory, operated by the University of California (UC System), was opened in the 1800's via a large investment donated by the wealthy James Lick. The 3 Meter Reflector is the largest reflector west of the Mississippi and was once the largest on the continent. Tours are available of the Shane Refractor as well as the 3-meter telescopes. It is a 45 minute drive from the San Jose Country Club and Alum Rock Park.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lick_observatory
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°20'26"N   121°38'21"W

Comments

  • This description needs editing. For instance, the 3 meter telescope is the Shane reflector. It is an excellent instrument but not by far the largest west of the Mississippi! When it was installed in the late 1950's it was the second largest telescope but has been overtaken by scores of new large reflectors worldwide.
This article was last modified 8 years ago