The hairpin turns’ winding up Mount Palomar call the young and young at heart; astronomy enthusiasts with a spirit for adventure come by motorcycle, convertible, RV, or bus.
The Palomar Observatory, same shape and size as the Coliseum in Rome, houses a two ton glass, 200 inch mirror telescope. Astrophysicist George Hale’s vision was made possible by a grant, American determination and ingenuity. Construction began in ‘36, interrupted during WW II, Hale died before it was completed in 1948. The world renowned astronomical research Observatory is owned and operated by CA Institute for Technology-Caltech is nothing less than cutting edge.
By night students, professors, and scientists make new discoveries and secrets of the universe are unlocked. By day, the “stairway to the stars” is open to the public, the freight elevator operates three times daily, which may have been disappointing for second time visitor, Margot Miles, 90 years young, who came 5,600 elevation (not exactly what ER doc meant by keep feet elevated) to see the telescope again before she died. Having been here a first time with the man she married in ’68, forty years ago. Not wanting to disappoint, Superintendent, Dan McKena, invited the group for an unscheduled “Behind the Scenes” tour. “Only if you promise to do what I say”, My impression was he wasn’t joking, after he explained the mechanics that keep the original six million dollar telescope well oiled and working with the same precision of a Swiss Watch.
Exploring the stars above or the earth below revitalizes our spirit. The universe is full of such wondrous sights for all with the strenght to climb; some just need a little lift.
Location: 35889 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain.
Hours 9 am -4 pm daily, (except December 24 and 25)
Cost: Free, Two Guided tours Saturday April-October $5, Srs $3, child 6-16 $2.50
More information: (760) 742-2119 Online: www.Palomar-observatory.org
View the night sky 3pm –midnight. Pre-registration required 619-238-1233 ext. 802
