One of MWOA's main functions is to provide docents to Mt. Wilson Observatory. A docent is a volunteer MWOA member who interacts with the public to lead tours of the Observatory's facilities, and to participate in other public outreach and educational programs related to the Observatory. Besides the regular 1:00PM weekend public tours (from April through November), these include specially-reserved group tours that are held throughout the year and sometimes include areas of the Observatory not available to the public tours, such as the observing floor of the 100-inch Hooker Telescope.
All docents must complete a training program, run by MWOA, to ensure that the information they convey is correct and that they know the proper safety procedures. This training is a combination of lectures, reading, and individual study about the history and current research at the Observatory, plus sessions on the mountain to explore the facilities and grounds.
Many MWOA members take advantage of this training as one of the best ways to learn about the Observatory, and they then share what they have learned with visitors. Becoming a docent is also an excellent way to learn public speaking in a friendly, low-pressure environment.
Some docents may go on to become Session Directors for the 60-inch Telescope observing sessions. Becoming a docent is a prerequisite for this further training.
Most visitors are enthusiastic about Mount Wilson and greatly appreciate getting the personal attention that a live docent can give. Being a docent can be very rewarding and a lot of fun.