Lick Observatory

Description

There are short guided tours (about 15-20 minutes) of the major telescopes during the day, space to walk around and explore the place on your own, and a gift shop. (Sadly, as of spring 2009, they did not sell shot glasses that say "Lick" on them.) The original Observatory building has exquisite craftsmanship. The observatory platform was inlaid hardwood, the floors were marble, everything in sight was carved wood, polished brass and glass, and carefully machined gears... We may have more sophisticated technology today, but in the 1800s, science was done with STYLE. It's particularly impressive given that everything had to be hauled up the side of a freakin' mountain.

Also, during the summer Lick Observatory schedules star viewings through their telescopes and music concerts on some evenings. If you want to attend, plan ahead, as both the star viewings and the concerts usually sell out in advance.

Normal admission is free. The star viewings are usually inexpensive (around $5), and often include a lecture on a current astronomy topic. The concerts are more expensive (around $30), but they also include star viewings and a lecture. Check the Calendar for details.

Lick Observatory is named after a fellow who made a ridiculous amount of money in real estate. In his later years, wanting to create something lasting and useful to leave behind, he donated the money to build what was then the first mountaintop astronomical observatory. It was completed in 1887, with what at the time was the largest and most powerful refracting telescope in the world. There are now nine telescopes at the site (soon to be ten), and the Lick remains an important research facility. Among other things, it is one of the leading sites for discovering exo-planets (planets orbiting other stars).

It is worth noting that over 130 years after his death, James Lick is remembered not for being rich, or for owning half of San Francisco, or even for jump-starting the Ghirardelli chocolate company, but for creating a world-class scientific institution. Not like any Wall Street traders will ever read this, but for people who have a big ego and want to be remembered long after they and everyone they knew in life has shuffled off the mortal coil, building something lasting and useful beats the heck out of trading in weird financial instruments, no matter how much money you make (or pretend to make).

Like most astronomical observatories, Lick is located up in the mountains and well away from civilization. This cuts down on atmospheric distortion and light pollution, both of which make it hard to get good photographs of stars. Lick is not exactly in the midst of the howling wilderness, but it is several miles from the nearest services. From Lick Observatory, it will take you 20 to 30 minutes to drive to the closest gas station, restaurant, store, rest room, etc. Lick probably has water and rest rooms (if you've been there, please confirm that by editing this entry), but it definitely does not sell gasoline. Plan ahead.

Also, if you hate heights, you probably do not want to be the person driving the car. The road has a lot of switchbacks, and while it's safe (unless you're gratuitiously stupid, but being stupid is never safe), it also has many places where there's a sheer drop just past the shoulder. For this same reason, might want to plan your trip so that you drive back down the mountain while it's still light. On the other hand, if you're OK with the drive, you get a truly magnificent view of the lights of San Jose spread out below you once the sun goes down.

Main Web Site

http://mthamilton.ucolick.org/

Location

7299 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, Santa Clara, CA

Drive Time from Ames

(per Google maps): 1 hour, 6 minutes

Remember, Lick Observatory is a 20 to 30 minute drive from the nearest gas, food, and other services, so plan ahead before you drive up there.  (They do have restrooms and water.)

Public Transit

none known

The Lick Observatory is located 'way up in the mountains. That's where they put observatories, since that's where the air is thin and clear, and there aren't streetlights and headlights and all of that to muck up their viewing. Unfortunately, there's no public transportation, either.

Hours

Mon - Fri 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM, Sat - Sun 10 AM to 5 PM

The Lick Observatory staff request that you do not attempt to visit at night, except during scheduled events.  Lick is a working observatory, and the "observing" part of the work all has to be done at night.

Cost

FREE

Again, note that many scheduled events - like concerts and special speakers - are not free. Check the web site for details.