AstronomyOutreach network - Mount Wilson 60" Star Party

Introduction to AstronomyOutreach network

Directions

The drive to Mt. Wilson is on good paved road all the way to the top. From the base of the mountain to the observatory gate will take about 30 or 40 minutes. As you approach the top of the mountain, take care as rocks occasionally tumble onto the road. If conditions are icy, you must bring chains for your tires.

As you curve around the mountain and take the turn up to Mt. Wilson, you can imagine the many historical figures who took the pilgrimmage to "America's Observatory" before you!

Try to arrive at Mt. Wilson about 3:00 p.m., so that we can start our activities promptly at 4:00 o'clock. Remember the gate is usually locked by 4:00 p.m. Follow these directions to get to the observatory:

Follow CA Route 2 (the Angeles Crest Highway) out of La Cañada/Flintridge into the San Gabriel Mountains for 14 miles to Red Box Road; turn right, and go another 5 miles to the Observatory gate.
Drive through the gated entrance, and continue until you see a sign for "Authorized Vehicles Only" on your left.
Turn left onto this road and continue until you arrive at the "Astronomical Museum".
Someone will be at the museum to give you parking instructions near the 60-inch Dome.
Walk to the museum after parking your car where we will start our program.

Live Towercam image, from atop the UCLA 150-foot solar tower telescope

UCLA's 150-Foot Solar Tower Current Towercam Image of
100-inch Dome at Mt. Wilson Observatory

It is a good idea to check the current weather conditions, and satellite images over Mt. Wilson before heading up the mountain. If we are clouded out, we will be able to reschedule our observing nights.

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Photographs of the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson courtesy of Mt. Wilson Observatory Association and the Mt. Wilson Institute.