Observe through Lick TelescopesFor Music of the Spheres Concert Series Click Here Each summer, Lick Observatory hosts a Summer Visitors Program (SVP) where the public is invited to observe through both the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and Nickel 40-inch Reflecting Telescope. Each evening also features two speakers, who present programs even if clouds or fog prohibit viewing. Lick astronomers present multimedia lectures on their research or topics of current interest. A "History of Lick Observatory" talk is also presented. Amateur astronomer volunteers provide additional outside viewing and informal talks. The first talk begins at sunset. Observing begins when it gets dark and continues until everyone has had the opportunity to view through both telescopes. Because of the late hours and the need for reasonable public behavior, attendance is not advisable for most children under 8 years old. Lick Observatory also presents the Music of the Spheres Summer Concert Series. After the concert, the Observatory offers a science lecture and viewing through one or two telescopes. Ticket InformationAll 2009 Summer Visitors Programs are Sold Out Tickets are available to view through our telescopes at our Music of the Spheres concerts. For further information, contact the Lick Observatory Gift Shop at 408-274-5061 or giftshop@ucolick.org. Directions to Mt. HamiltonLick Observatory is located on the summit of Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. To get there from Hwys 101, 280, or 680, take the Alum Rock Avenue exit from Interstate 680. Go east onto Alum Rock Avenue. Turn right onto Mt. Hamilton Road (California Route 130). Allow about one hour from San Jose, and please drive carefully as the road is good, but winding. From the east, take Interstate 580 west to Interstate 680 south. Then follow the directions above. Alternatively, you may take take California Route 130 to Mt. Hamilton from the east, but please allow about 1-3/4 hours from Interstate 5 to reach the Observatory. The road is long and winding, but well-maintained. Take the Diablo Grande Parkway exit off Interstate 5, heading west (away from Patterson). Take the first right on Puerto del Canyon Road (toward Frank Raines Park). Look carefully for this turn because there is not much signage. At the Junction Cafe, turn left to stay on California Route 130. Keep in mind that at 4209 feet, evenings on Mt. Hamilton can be cool, so bring a sweater or coat. We provide wheelchair access to the lectures and to the 36-inch telescope, but not to the Nickel telescope. There is no gas station at the Observatory. Parking is limited so please car pool, if possible. Area map here courtesy of Mapquest Print-friendly area map (pdf) Print-friendly local map (pdf) For more details, call 408-274-5061, between 12:30 and 5:00 pm, or email giftshop@ucolick.org |
The Summer Visitors Program offers public viewing through both the Great Lick Refractor and the Anna Nickel Reflector, pictured above. The triple photometer at the bottom of the telescope looks for signs of extraterrestrial civilization through the OSETI program.
© Laurle Hatch 2009 Program DatesAdditional details will be posted here as they become available
Dome Safety Modification ProjectWe're continuing to work on renovating our 36-inch refracting telescope dome. When completed, this renovation will benefit Music of the Spheres Concert series and Summer Visitors Program:
We invite you to donate in any of the following ways:
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