This 1908 instrument, the world's first modern telescope, is George Ritchey's masterpiece. The optics of the 60-inch are diffraction limited, plus the seeing on Mt. Wilson is often excellent (sub-arc-second), especially in the Summer. The inversion layer that traps smog far below also makes good seeing on the mountain top. Although no longer located in a dark-sky site, you can still visually see the central star in the Ring Nebula. The presence of the lights from L.A. may be a nuisance, but they have NOT ruined Mt. Wilson for astronomy. Often the marine layer comes in and low clouds cover L.A. (Mt. Wilson is far above these clouds). At these times, the sky gets quite dark, and this is also when the seeing is the best. The telescope is especially good on planets, and you haven't lived until you have seen M13 and the Orion Nebula through the 60-inch!
Astronomy clubs and other interested groups and individuals may reserve the telescope for their own functions. Groups of up to 25, with a lower age limit of 12, can be accommodated. Half-night and full-night observing sessions may be booked through the Mount Wilson Institute (MWI). There is a per-night charge. Arrangements must be made ahead of time. See 60-inch Viewing for booking details, fees, available nights, etc. A Session Director (a trained MWOA member) is assigned to each group and provides guidance and information before and during each session. A trained Telescope Operator controls the telescope; he or she has a list of good objects for observing but can often also accommodate requests. Hot drinks and cups are provided; bring your own food. No alcohol is permitted.
60-inch Nights for MWOA Sustaining Members
The chief benefit of being a Sustaining Member
of MWOA is that the opportunity to observe through the Mount Wilson
60-inch Telescope is included in your membership. At several special MWOA events each year, you can be a celestial tourist from dusk to dawn (or you can go home whenever you wish). No more than 25 people are allowed on a given night, so there are no crowds. These sessions are mainly for visual viewing. We use the f/16 Cassegrain focus, which is conveniently located. On special occasions when there aren't people waiting to look, limited imaging is permitted through the eyepiece.
For these sessions, MWOA provides hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks, so bringing your own food (such as sandwiches) is optional. The Observatory is at 5700 feet elevation, so bring a jacket in Summer and a warm coat in the Spring and Fall. There are plenty of chairs available, but you may bring a folding lounge or sleeping bag if you like. Because we can choose which objects to look at, you might like to bring a list of some of your favorite objects (with current coordinates). The Telescope Operator's decisions are final, of course.
See the Directions page for how to get to the Observatory. The meeting time at the gate will be near sunset. The MWOA Session Director will announce the exact time and session status (confirmed or cancelled) on a dedicated phone line at 2:00PM. The Session Director will then meet the group at the gate and lead you in to parking spots near the 60-inch dome. No Forest Adventure Pass is required.
For the year 2010, five nights have been scheduled. There is no additional cost to MWOA Sustaining Members, but reservations are required. All reservations are to be made through Don Nicholson by e-mail or phone at (310) 476-4413, or through his designated representative.