Mount Wilson Observatory
@MtWilsonObs
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Where we discovered our place in the universe. Home to the 60 & 100-inch telescopes, as well as the CHARA Array.
34.2253° N, 118.0573° W
Joined March 2014
Heroes don’t wear capes. They wear personal protection equipment (PPE). Firefighters from @MonroviaCA posing in front of the 60-inch telescope. Thank you for all you do!! #BobcatFire
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We give our sincerest thanks to the firefighters who are on the ground defending our observatory as well as the pilots flying aircraft for fire suppression. Here’s a picture from of firefighters crossing the "Einstein Bridge" from the 100-inch dome. #BOBCATFIRE
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The area was finally sufficiently smoke-free to host firefighters from @VCFD at the 60" telescope. We're pleased that we could thank them in some small way by treating them to views of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon and others. We plan to do this with another group tonight.
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As you may have seen on the news, the Eaton fire is approaching Mount Wilson. There are firefighters on the grounds but the power is out at the Observatory so communication is limited. We are monitoring the situation and will update here as we can. Thank you for your concern.
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The #BOBCATFIRE is knocking on our door. Fire officials predicted that the fire would approach Mt. Wilson from Echo Rock. It looks like they are correct. Note: All observatory personnel have evacuated.
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Saturn -Jupiter conjunction coming up later this month! No telescope needed.
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We are relieved to report that the flare-up of the Eaton Fire near the Observatory seems to be under control for now. We are grateful to firefighters & mountain staff for their dedication to keeping the mountain safe. We will monitor the situation as things can change quickly.
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As much as we would like to thank the firefighters in person, we’re still unable to be on site. We hope a good number of them will be available to view through one of our larger telescopes once we’re done with the #BOBCATFIRE. Pictured is one of six CHARA Array telescopes.
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Snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains by Moonlight tonight. It's a delightful and cold view from the observatory.
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"Rise and and shine" for the #BOBCATFIRE at dawn today. The observatory boundaries are still secure at this time and we have 12 companies of professionals from @LACOFD intending to keep it that way. It's shaping up to be a good day for aerial action, too.
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We’re safe from the #BobcatFire thanks to the heroic efforts of the firefighters from multiple agencies. The battle is not over yet.
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We were asked many times: "How close did the fire get?" We have the answer. (Video from SEP 17) Damage: Smoke and soot inside upper story of The Monastery but otherwise unscathed. How these heroic firefighters managed to save the building is incredible! #bobcatfire
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The #BobcatFire is still on our back. We thought we might have it down, but. The more active area appears to be moving northward.
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We brought lunch up today for the firefighters. Who knew that burritos would be such a prized meal. We thanked each and every one of them. What a fantastic group of men and women. Here are a few random photos. #BobcatFire @MonroviaFireRes
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The aurora was visible at Mount Wilson last night! (Video is a loop of a few seconds of a time-lapse video from our north tower cam). 😮
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Our heroes worked their magic last night! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!.
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The strategic burning really rattled us up as we watched from the live webcams. Please note that no observatory staff is currently on site, we can take a quick breather and remain calm (RC).
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Cal Fire ordered evacuation of staff this morning.
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First snow of the season; not much, but measurable. (Photos by David Cendejas)
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First nighttime photo of Orion Nebula taken on Mount Wilson’s 60” telescope on Christmas Eve, 1908. #happyholidays.#2021
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A letter from our Chairmain, Sam Hale (grandson of George Ellery Hale).
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Mount Wilson Observatory Survives the Bobcat Fire! A message from Sam Hale:
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We are watching the white smoke from the #BobcatFire with "cautious" optimism. There were multiple water drops on our burn area today, we’re hoping for the best!
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Mars imaged through the 60" telescope this morning. (Image capture and processing - Blake Estes; telescope operation - Tom Meneghini) #mars #astronomy
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Update from our superintendent: The Observatory remains safe at this time. There are still some hotspots scattered around the southwest side of the containment line. A majority of the engines made their way down this morning to another Dropzone. #BobcatFire
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Spectacular images of last week’s lunar eclipse, taken by Mount Wilson Volunteer Michael Hayford. 🌔
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This is not an image we enjoy posting. A drop by a large tanker would be good right now #BobcatFire
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With all of the surrounding devastation in the forest, the Observatory is becoming something of refuge for the displaced, including our most recent ursid addition, "Apple Cider". #bobcatfire
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A small strike crew patrolling the observatory grounds stopped at the 100" telescope and we were delighted to give them an impromptu tour of the facility.
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Another "Martian" morning on the mountain. We hope today is filled with water and retardant drops as well as safety for the fire crews. #BobcatFire
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Total lunar eclipse tomorrow morning (tonight if you don’t go to bed). No special equipment needed, no need to travel anywhere, just go outside and look west. Image courtesy from our friends at @GriffithObserv
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As it becomes darker, the glow of fire becomes more apparent. It was 1/3 of mile down the cliff face earlier today, and closer now. #BOBCATFIRE
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How about an awesome picture of these firefighters! Full update available on our Facebook page: #BobcatFire
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This morning's #BOBCATFIRE is very subdued with no apparent progress in the direction of the observatory overnight. We have neglected to thank and mention the herculean efforts of @CAL_FIRE, @forestservice, @LACOFD and the many local agencies that are working on this fire.
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Apple Cider, our refugee juvenile California Black Bear, is boldly out for a stroll in the afternoon. We are seeking resources to relocate him/her before cold winter weather sets in. (Photos by Blake Estes)
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Our Mount Wilson towercam caught the quadruple formation at 5:12 this morning. To the left of the moon is Saturn, with Jupiter below and to the left. Follow the line from Saturn to Jupiter to find Mercury just peeking over the crestline in the early morning light.
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Heroes from @LACoFireAirOps conducting a water reload from the parking lot with support from @Cal_OES. Words cannot express our gratitude! #BOBCATFIRE.
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The #BobcatFire has picked up again and is making its way towards the northwest slope of the Mt. Wilson drainage. @CAL_FIRE is planning another strategic firing operation on the north/northwest slope of Mt. Wilson. Resources have made their way back to the lower parking lot.
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On this date in 1908, the heart of the Mount Wilson 60-inch telescope, the mirror, was placed in the telescope. On Dec 13, the telescope was used for the first time & for 113 years it has been in use almost every clear night - one of the most productive telescopes in history!
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The #BobcatFire containment line, defined by yesterday's strategic burn to the north and west of the observatory, held overnight. This process may continue even further to the west today.
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A spectacular night on the mountain! Video is a time-lapse of photos of the aurora taken from the north tower cam between 11PM-3AM, May 10-11, 2024.
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This morning's partial solar eclipse, as seen from the base of the 150-foot solar tower at Mount Wilson Observatory!
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#bobcatfire seen from Mt. Wilson Observatory’s HPWREN camera. We are monitoring emergecy radio frequencies in the event an evacuation is called. Good night and good luck.
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1/12 update: Some electrical systems are back up & the tower cams are back online. Firefighters remain present to protect the antenna farm & the Observatory. Their efforts & your messages of concern are deeply appreciated. The Observatory & the Angeles National Forest are closed.
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#mercurytransit happening now! We're above the marine layer while the rest of #LA is underneath.
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Superintendent's report: Firefighters will be working to strengthen the lines where strategic firing was completed last night. They’re looking to add some depth in the containment line by Mt. Wilson Rd and will continue to mop-up and patrol the area. #BobcatFire
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We are resurrecting the glass-plate camera on the 60" telescope. With some light oil, we were able to free the moving plate holder that had not been exercised since 1986. The first target to test this arrangement will be the moon next week.
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From the mountains - to the city - to the ocean. These crystal clear views in August have been unusual but spectacular!
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The heavy artillery arriving today. It’s going to be a long night. #BobcatFire @LACOFD @LACoFDDivision2
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This is what the 100" primary mirror sees when the mirror shutter opens. A rare view of the Hooker telescope's interior, secondary, and tertiary mirrors courtesy of a contorted Blake Estes with a fish-eye camera lens.
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A Mobile Retardant Base has been established at Mount Wilson to support continued air operations. Photos are from Mon 1/13. The lower parking lot of the Observatory is now an airfield.
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Our sincere thanks to the @usfs_r5 @LACo_FD @LACoFireAirOps. Thank you for saving our historic observatory, the battle isn’t over yet.
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December’s full moon, also known as a Cold Moon, can be seen tonight at 7:28pm PST. Be sure to take a look!. #coldmoon #fullmoon #astronomy #space.#brrrr
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Come on people. keep your drones away, better yet don’t even fly them near fires. The grounding of aircraft can (and does) have catastrophic effects on fighting fires. #BobcatFire @KTLA @KCBSKCALDesk @ABC7.
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On behalf of all of us at the Mount Wilson Institute, sincere wishes that 2021 provides good health & growth opportunities. THANKS to our wonderful community of donors. Your year-end gifts support the renovation & preservation of our landmark.
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Easter dawn on the San Gabriel Mountains. HAPPY EASTER!
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Last night we took a step into the past. Using the almost forgotten glass plate cameras on the 60" telescope, Blake Estes and Tom Meneghini took several 8x10 photos of the 1st quarter Moon!
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We are opening reservations for our 60" and 100" telescopes for viewing by groups or individuals. The sessions will be available from June 15th through November 21 and may be made through our website at
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The trustees of the Mount Wilson Institute have initiated a fundraiser for much-needed facility upgrades for the convenience and enjoyment of visitors to Mount Wilson Observatory. #gofundmecampaign .
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It's beautiful on the mountain. and cold! Our staff recommends that we close for the weekend due to conditions on the roads and at the observatory. We hope to see again under better circumstances. #astronomy
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Brrrrrrr, Happy First Day of Winter!!!! Snuggle up & check out “The Great Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction” happening tonight when the 2 orbs will merge in the night sky and look like 1 bright planet. Go to: at 5 pm PST
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Albert Einstein was a good reflection on the observatory during his visit to Mt. Wilson on Jan. 29, 1931. Here is a sampling of him and the staff in iconic locations at the observatory. All photos are from the Huntington Library & Gardens digital collection.
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100 years ago today, the 100-inch telescope saw first light. Happy birthday!
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Weather permitting, we will be streaming the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction on December 21 with @CarnegieAstro
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Photo of Andromeda Galaxy taken by Edwin Hubble in January 1924, although he marked it as a possible Nova at the time. Hubble's announcement that there were millions of galaxies beyond the Milky Way didn't take place until December that same year. #space #astronomy #Hubble
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Monday 12/21 we celebrate two big Astronomy events! . “The Great Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction” which hasn’t happened since 1623, and the Winter Solstice arrives that morning, marking the first day of winter. Join us at 5pm PST for a virtual star party.
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In 1931, Albert Einstein would make a visit to Mount Wilson: Photo shows Einstein, Edwin Powell Hubble, Walther Mayer, Walter S. Adams, Arthur S. King and William W. Campbell on the footbridge leading to the 100-inch telescope dome.
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February 1923. A cold, snowy day on Mount Wilson. Pictured here is a tractor clearing snow followed closely behind by a car. The men driving the two vehicles are unidentified; both are bundled up in winter wear. Snow-covered trees are in the background. Brrrrrrrr!!!
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We’re planning an exciting 2022 season at Mount Wilson! Lectures, concerts, Member Telescope Nights and more programming in our Science+Art events. You’ll be hearing about these presentations and more right here over the next few months.
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MWO was built with man-power, but moving material & machinery was left to horses, mules & a few engine-powered vehicles. This was over an "improved" trail that later was widened to become the Toll Road. Before that, the trail took its toll on a few vehicles used in the effort.
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The smoke you may be seeing right now is a supervised controlled burn in the Red Box area.
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While we are sorting out how to best open our public viewing program this season, we're taking this opportunity to visit our telescopes, piece-by-piece. We're starting with the 100" Hooker Telescope's base truss and its journey to the top of Mount Wilson. @MackTrucks
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Vintage Mountain-top Beauty! . Here’s a look at the Mount Wilson Observatory Monastery circa January 1907. The Monastery served as a dormitory for visiting scientists. Here you can just see the roof & chimneys under a beautiful, thick blanket of winter white powder.
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Mount Wilson Observatory, winter, Circa 1920s. “Where We Discovered our Place in the Universe”. Mount Wilson Institute is.proud to honor its history as THE location where we discovered our place in the universe. We can do it with your support!.
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The important thing is that nobody was hurt during the collapse. Let’s give a huge thanks to @NAICobservatory for their contributions to astronomy.
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Escape from Mount Wilson: @GeorgiaStateU chartered a helicopter to relieve some of the CHARA and Observatory staff from the mountains of snow surrounding us. That was very considerate of them. Everyone will be back eventually with groceries and more warm clothing. (Pics: Matt A)
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Impossibly sunny January days at Mount Wilson Observatory - a panorama of the view from the 150-foot solar tower catwalk.
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Congratulations to Mount Wilson Concerts’ Artistic Director, acclaimed cellist Cécilia Tsan. She’s among 109 women chosen to receive a French Marianne Award for inclusion in the Panthéon in Paris. Check below to see Cecilia in action up on the Mountain:.
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We are powered-up, again. The Los Angeles County road closure to the Observatory has been lifted and grounds deemed safe for visitors. There is ample parking and no admission fee. We are open daily from 10 AM until 5 PM. unless it snows, again. (Photo courtesy of Andrei Duman)
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We received about 4” of snow overnight. Observatory grounds are closed due to ice, as well as Red Box Road.
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The 150' Solar Tower @ Mount Wilson is an overlooked but iconic facility at the Observatory. It's also one of the most visible structures on the mountain as viewed from the LA basin. It was constructed to study the position, strength, & polarity of magnetic fields and of the Sun.
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WOW! A Zoom sell-out crowd! . If you missed MT WILSON VS THE BOBCAT FIRE, partner Pasadena Public Library has posted to YouTube Featuring stunning photos of our landmark narrowly surviving. Thanks for supporting our 2021 future @
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IMAGING THE UNSEEN: TAKING THE FIRST PICTURE OF A BLACK HOLE. Join our friends at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory, for a FREE Zoom presention by Calthech's Dr. Katie Bouman. TOMORROW, Saturday, March 13 @ 11am (Pacific). ID: 917 0356 4179.Code: 697316
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Spectacular sunset with bonus rainbow, Sept 11, 2023.
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Something exciting is coming to Mount Wilson! What could it be? 🤔🤔
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The Monastery is the name given to the dormitory for Observatory staff & visiting scientists - hosting famous names in astrophysics: Hubble, Humason, Einstein, & others. It is still in use today for visiting students, astronomers, & small gatherings of special Observatory guests!
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The Observatory will be closed on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. Happy Holidays!
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A fav shot of the 100" Hooker Telescope Dome with the Big Dipper taken by Tom Masterson in 2017. His gallery of photographs can be viewed at
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Continuing to celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor HENRIETTA S LEAVITT (1868-1921) who published the first quantitative period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars. Now called 'Leavitt’s Law'-it remains the primary tool for determining intergalactic distances.
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Join us in toasting Pasadena’s own --Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006). NASA has named the landing site of the Perseverance rover “Octavia E. Butler Landing,” after the late science fiction author who hails from the Rose City. Read more:
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