About this event
Star Drive to Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton
The world's first mountaintop observatory built in 1888, is right here in our own backyard and is still providing scientists with valuable information. After more than a century of service, the Lick Observatory is still first and foremost a scientific research institution, run by the University of California at Santa Cruz.
At the Lick Observatory, you can go inside the original dome to hear about its history and technological achievements. It's a short walk to the nearby Shane reflector telescope, where exhibits will explain why it's one of the major telescopes used to discover planets outside our solar system.
- There are free tours given half hour providing information on the importance and accomplishments of the Lick Observatory.
- The Lick Observatory is at 4,200 feet elevation, and it will be colder up there than wherever you started from. Take an extra layer of clothing.
- Fill your tank before you start up the mountain - there's no gas station up there.
- You'll find a gift shop, vending machines, and restrooms, but no place to eat, so make certain to have eaten before we start our journey and bring some favorite snack foods with you.
We’ll meet in the parking lot of the Grandview Restaurant located at 15005 Mt. Hamilton Rd, Mt. Hamilton, CA at 11:30 AM. We will form a caravan and leave at 11:45 AM for the Observatory. It’s a narrow windy road and will take about an hour to reach the top. Be certain to be aware of bicycle riders. It’s a popular weekend riding spot.
To get there from Interstates 101, 280, or 680, take the Alum Rock Avenue exit and head east. Turn right on Mount Hamilton Road (CA route 130) and drive 18.5 miles to the Observatory. From the east, take Interstate 580 west to Interstate 680 south. Then follow the directions above.
When: Sunday, September 23rd
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Cost: $10 per person