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Explore Astronomy at Lick Observatory

ID : 13668   
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The first night of class meets at Cabrillo and Karl will cover astronomical history and the development of telescopes, basic astronomical concepts, historic and modern instruments and methods, and you will visit to the Cabrillo planetarium. The first class will help you get the most out of the second class for your behind the scenes tour of 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!
The observatory is a world class observatory and historic site 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!
Please note, the drive up 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!

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

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes; the nights can be quite cool and we’ll be walking for most of the tour. Review detailed map and directions to Lick Observatory from Santa Cruz.

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 email no fewer than 48 hours 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.

Fee: 

$98.00


Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
9/13/2024 - 9/13/2024 Weekly - Fri 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM Aptos, Aptos Main Campus  Map, Room: 609 Karl von Ahnen 
9/20/2024 - 9/20/2024 Weekly - Fri 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM Mt Hamilton, Lick Observatory  Map, Room: Lick Observatory Karl von Ahnen