Mount Wilson Observatory

News from Mount Wilson:

1/6/2012 - U.S. Forest Service undertakes a fire fuels reduction program on Mount Wilson - More here.

12/1/2011 - The Observatory's Cosmic Cafe is closed for the winter. We will reopen the Cafe and resume our 1 pm guided tours on April 1, 2012.

Banner photographs by David Jurasevich.

Mount Wilson Observatory is operated by the Mount Wilson Institute under an agreement with the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The Observatory occupies lands belonging to the USDA Forest Service set aside under a long-term leasehold agreement between CIW and the USDA Forest Service. The Observatory subscribes to the USDA non-discrimination policy as expressed here.

Public Outreach and Education
The Mount Wilson Observatory Association Founded by observatory staff members and local amateur astronomers in 1981, the Mount Wilson Observatory Association (MWOA) assists the observatory in welcoming and educating the visiting public. MWOA has led hundreds of tours of the observatory for groups ranging from the general public to professional astronomers. MWOA trains docents to act as tour guides, assistants for special events held at the observatory and speakers for local organizations. Special tours, Reflections (MWOA's quarterly publication), Overiew (monthly) and a 60-inch observing session (Sustaining Members only) are some of the benefits of membership. The greatest benefit, however, is the chance to be a part of the activities at this historic and cutting-edge observatory.
	CUREA The Consortium for Undergraduate Research and Education in Astronomy (CUREA) is held each summer on Mount Wilson. Six to eight students spends two weeks living on the mountain studying astronomy and carrying out projects using the Snow Solar Telescope and the 16-inch telescope. With a student/teacher ratio of 2- to-1, this intensive program focuses on the undergraduate college level of study, although advanced high school science students, graduate students in related fields and amateur astronomers have participated in the program.

	Weekend Walking Tours of the Observatory Public walking tours led by MWOA docents are available from April through October. Tours are held Saturdays, Sundays and holidays beginning at 1:00 PM at the Pavilion. See the Visitors' page for further information.
	Group Tours of the Observatory Group tours are available and must be arranged in advance. There is a modest per-person fee. Contact Mr. Gale Gant for more information or to schedule a tour. Tours are held in the daytime only and do not include looking through a telescope.

	Observing with the 60-inch telescope Public viewing through the 60-inch telescope is available to individuals and groups. Fee and scheduling information is available here.