Lick Observatory Public Evening Tours

Evening with the StarsExperience a Friday night to remember at Lick Observatory! Our Evenings with the Stars programs are held annually as part of our Summer Series. Each year we bring world-renowned astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the “stars” you won’t forget!The event activities include:Astronomy talk by “star” scientistsViewing through the historic 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescopeViewing through the 40-inch Nickel Reflector telescopeFascinating history talk about Lick ObservatoryAfter-hours gift shop accessAstronomy discussions with amateur astronomers and viewing through small telescopeshttps://www.lickobservatory.org/events/evening-with-the-stars/Music of the SpheresExperience a Saturday night to remember at Lick Observatory! Each year Lick Observatory brings world-renown musicians and astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a musical night to remember.The event activities include:ConcertAstronomy talk by world-renowned scientistsViewing through the historic 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescopeViewing through the 40-inch Nickel Reflector telescopeAstronomy discussions with amateur astronomers and viewing through small telescopeshttps://www.lickobservatory.org/events/music-of-the-spheres/Public Evening ToursOur “behind the scenes” style 4 – 6 hour walking tour of Lick Observatory will start at the main building’s Visitor Center. Participants can learn about the unique history of the world’s first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory, the eccentric California pioneer James Lick, technology used for observing on different telescopes along the tour route, and current science being conducted at Lick Observatory.The event activities include:A highlight of the tour will be visiting the dome of the 3-meter Shane Telescope to see the mountain’s largest telescope up close. After the walking tour, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the sunset, and the Gift Shop will be open. During twilight, a history lecture about James Lick and the construction of the observatory will be presented. Once the sky is dark (and weather permitting), viewing celestial objects through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor Telescope will commence. Insights will be provided throughout the evening on how we find planets beyond our solar system, how exploding stars teach us about the evolution of the universe, how we discern the nature of galaxies and black holes, how new technologies are used to undo the blurring effects of Earth’s atmosphere, and about Lick Observatory’s rich astronomical history and bright scientific future.Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the tour. The event will last approximately 4 to 6 hours. Visitors should be prepared to walk about one mile during the evening, including taking stairs. Events are held rain or shine.https://www.lickobservatory.org/events/public-evening-tours/