LICK OBSERVATORY

The Lick Observatory is famous in the world for the second largest astronomical telescope ever built and used throughout the world, behind that of the Yerkes Observatory (Chicago) and the Observatory of Paris-Meudon. It is one of the first observatories to have been built at the altitude, almost 1,300 m on Mount Hamilton, to enjoy a better quality than in plain plain (although San Francisco and San José are not very distant), and above the humidity layers in that region of the United States. It is also one of the oldest observatories in the so-called modern era, since built between 1876 and 1887. James Lick, who made a fortune during the gold rush and considered the richest man in California, financed his construction. He donated US $ 700,000, which to date represents the most important philanthropic gift in science history, with about $ 1.2 billion today taking into account the changing costs of living and inflation. His remains are buried on the site itself! This observatory, owned and operated by the University of California, is still active thanks to the policy in the region for, if not suppressing, the reduction of light pollution by using more suitable urban lighting. It allows researchers at eight campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine and Riverside) and two national laboratories (Lawrence Berkeley Lab and Lawrence Livermore Lab) to work. It also serves as a "test bench" for the development of new instruments and technologies for optical astronomy. The large bezel is therefore its centerpiece with its 91 cm diameter. It is very impressive when you first discover it! Other instruments are of course on site, including a 3 m telescope, called C. Donald Shane telescope. The day visits included the discovery of the main building built in 1888, explanations of the history of the observatory and its famous telescope, and end by the shop to the many derivatives. However, it is possible to complete its visit with the discovery of the 3 m telescope via a gallery accessible to the public, and to enjoy the outdoor panorama on the Santa Clara valley (picnics are allowed). Finally, the summer of the evenings are organized, including presentations made by scientists, and especially observations through the large telescope and other instruments of the site (imperishable memories guaranteed). By leaving the cupola of stars full of eyes, we can continue the journey with amateur astronomers and their (small) telescopes, who come especially for the occasion.