Introduction to AstronomyOutreach network Star Parties & Events AstronomyNews AstroImagery
Speakers & Authors Young Astronomer AstroCommunity AstroVacations
Don Nicholson with the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson
Donald S. Nicholson
President of the Mount Wilson Observatory Association

Don Nicholson is the President of MWOA, a support group for the Mount Wilson Observatory. He is also Associate Director of the Mount Wilson Institute. Don's father, Seth Nicholson, was a staff astronomer (1915-1957) at the Mount Wilson Observatory and Don spent much of his youth there where he began a lifelong interest in science. This long association with the Observatory has given him a unique perspective on the history and accomplishments of that institution and its notable astronomical staff, many of whom he knew personally. His current involvement allows him insight into the latest developments at the Observatory and the prospects for its bright future. His articles on Mount Wilson history have appeared in "Mercury" and "Sky and Telescope". Recently he participated in the preliminary optical design of the successful natural guide star adaptive optics system now in place on the 100-inch Telescope at Mount Wilson.

Don is a graduate of Pomona College and the California Institute of Technology. During World War II he served in the United States Army Air Force as a meteorologist first in the United Kingdom and then in the Soviet Union. Upon his discharge, he was employed by Technicolor for thirteen years after which he joined the Nortronics Division of the Northrop Corp. In 1965 he left Northrop for The Aerospace Corporation from which he retired in 1984. At Aerospace he headed the Optical Systems Dept. and then as a Senior Engineering Specialist was involved in support of many Air Force space programs. Don is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America.
Mt. Wilson 60 Available for lectures and star parties, Don may be contacted by e-mail. Expenses incurred and a daily honorarium are to be paid to the Mount Wilson Observatory Association. The Observatory's 60-inch Telescope is also available for a night of viewing to groups of up to 25 people. To make reservations for this unusual opportunity, contact the Mount Wilson Institute by phone. Observatory fees apply.
    E-mail: donn@mwoa.org
    MWI phone: (626) 793-3100 (to reserve the 60" Telescope)
 

© 2001 AstronomyOutreach network
The AstronomyOutreach network is dedicated to the memory of Mark J. Coco.