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Explore Astronomy at Lick Observatory Under the Full Moon

ID : 13242   
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ClassGraphic Join Karl at the Cabrillo College planetarium to explore basic astronomical concepts, learn about historic and modern instruments and methods, then take a trip to the Lick Observatory where we'll watch the beautiful full moon rise in the east as the sun sets in the west for a guided tour! Lick Observatory, a world class observatory and historic site, was founded in 1888, and was the first mountain top observatory in the U.S. It sits high atop Mount Hamilton at 4,200 feet elevation. The property includes historic and important modern research telescopes, beautiful architecture, and breathtaking views of the valley below and sky above like no other!

The first class meeting takes place at Cabrillo for a presentation and discussion of astronomical history and the development of telescopes, to help prepare you to get the most out of your evening at the Lick Observatory.

Your visit to the Lick Observatory includes a guided walking tour, a lecture on the history of Lick: the man and the observatory, and a visit to the dome of the famous 36 inch refractor telescope. Weather permitting, you will look through this awesome instrument. It was once the largest—and remains the 2nd largest refracting telescope in the world!

Please note, the trip to Lick Observatory includes 365 turns as you wind your way up Mount Hamilton road to the observatory! Plan to take it slow and take in the views as you make your way up the mountain. You may even plan to arrive at the site early for a picnic dinner as you enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the bay area you’ll ever see!

View additional class information.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes; the nights can be quite cool and we’ll be walking for most of the tour.

The visit to Lick Observatory as part of this course is supported by a generous grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to University of California Observatories (UCO). This grant supports the expansion of Lick Observatory's education programs and UCO's goals of broadening access to the observatory and fostering community members' interest in astronomy and science more generally.
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Class Details

2 Session(s)
Days of the Week :Multiple Days of the Week :
  Weekly - Fri.  
  Weekly - Fri.  

Location : Multiple Location : 
  Aptos Main Campus. 
  Lick Observatory.

Instructor : Karl von Ahnen 

 

Notice

Please read:  [Class specific information]

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes; the nights can be quite cool and we’ll be walking for most of the tour. Review additional class information.

See the Lick Observatory Visitor Page for more information: https://www.lickobservatory.org/public-visitor-information/visitor-center/ Please drive carefully.

In the event of heavy rain or unsafe weather conditions, your instructor will be reaching out to you by phone and/or by email before the scheduled start time to let you know class has been cancelled. Be sure to check your voicemail and email prior to leaving for your offsite location, to be sure you haven't missed any communication from your instructor.

For maps and detailed information about parking on campus, please visit the Maps and Parking webpage.

Fee: 

$98.00

Available Discount(s)

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
6/14/2024 - 6/14/2024 Weekly - Fri 06:30 PM - 09:30 PM Aptos, Aptos Main Campus  Map, Room: 609 Karl von Ahnen 
6/21/2024 - 6/21/2024 Weekly - Fri 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM Mt Hamilton, Lick Observatory  Map Karl von Ahnen 

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Cabrillo College Extension
 (831) 479-6331 |   extension@cabrillo.edu |