Observe through Lick Telescopes

In 2008, Lick Observatory will offer public viewing through both the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and Nickel 40-inch Reflecting Telescope on six Friday evenings. Each evening will also feature two speakers, who present programs even if clouds or fog prohibit viewing.

Dates are June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22, and Sept 5. Speakers and talk titles will be announced here when determined.

Lick astronomers will present multimedia lectures on their research or topics of current interest. A "History of Lick Observatory" talk will also be presented. Amateur astronomer volunteers will provide additional outside viewing and informal talks.

The first talk will begin at sunset and when it gets dark observing will continue 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.

Ticket Overview

This year a "SVP Pre-Ticketing Request Form" will be linked from this webpage for from 9:00 am May 13 to 4:00 pm May 27. There will be a hard copy option available here from May 13 to May 20 ONLY; to qualify the hard copy must be received on Mt. Hamilton by 4:00 pm May 27.

Please do not submit duplicate entries to buy more tickets; all duplicate requests will be discarded.

You must select one Preferred Night on the Request Form--the night you wish to attend the SVP. This year all applicants will have a chance to purchase tickets for their Preferred Night on a first come first served basis. Tickets for each Preferred night will be available only during a one-day period as specified in yellow box below.

After the Pre-Ticketing Request period has ended all applicants will receive specific instructions via email about how to purchase tickets for their Preferred Night (in person, via phone or web).

Ticket Purchasing

Tickets prices are the same this year: $5.00 each, which includes the ticketing service charge. Six tickets maximum per household.

Tickets will again be available online and through the UCSC Ticket Office and Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Box Office.

Tickets for Preferred nights will be available for purchase on dates listed below, to applicants who have successfully completed the Pre-Ticketing Request Form by web or hard copy. Tickets sold on first come first served basis on each date.

for June 27: Friday, May 30
for July 11: Tuesday, June 3
for July 26: Thursday, June 5
for August 8: Tuesday, June 10
for August 22: Thursday, June 12
for September 5: Tuesday, June 17

Contact the Lick Observatory Gift Shop at 408-274-5061 or giftshop@ucolick.org if you have further questions about the Summer Visitors Program.

Dome Safety Modification Project

We'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:

• Concerts will be held inside the 36-inch dome again.
  
• Because the dome will accommodate larger groups, visitors can stay in the dome longer. Their eyes will become dark-adapted, so they will actually see more through the telescope.

• Send a check payable to UC Regents to Lick Observatory, PO Box 85, Mt. Hamilton, CA 95140. Write Donation: Dome Safety Modification in the memo area of the check.
  
• Donate through UCSC ticket office when purchasing Summer Visitor Program tickets
  
• Bring your donation to the Observatory when you visit

2008 Program Dates

Friday, June 27

Doors open: 7:30pm

Program starts: 8:00pm

Friday, July 11

Doors open: 7:30pm

Program starts: 8:00pm

Speaker: Debra Fischer, SFSU

"The Great Lick Observatory Planet Hunt"

Friday, July 25

Doors open: 7:30pm

Program starts: 8:00pm

Friday, August 8

Doors open: 7:00pm

Program starts: 7:30pm

Friday, August 22

Doors open: 7:00pm

Program starts: 7:30pm

Friday, September 5

Doors open: 6:30pm

Program starts: 7:00pm

Speaker: Geoff Marcy, UCB

"Searching for Earth-like Planets"

Directions to Mt. Hamilton

Lick 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.