At the top of Mount Hamilton in California, Lick Observatory offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. From the summit, you can see San Francisco to the north and even the entrance to Yosemite Valley 120 miles east. At night, the observatory provides a clear view of the sky, extending millions of light-years into space.
Built in 1888 and named after its sponsor James Lick, Lick Observatory was renowned for its superior telescopes and ideal year-round conditions. It attracted astronomers, dignitaries, and curious locals who made the journey to the mountaintop each weekend. Today, Lick Observatory is one of the few historic observatories in the US that is open to the public.
While modern funding focuses on larger telescopes in high-altitude locations or space telescopes like the Hubble and James Webb, historic observatories like Lick and Lowell Observatory in Arizona remain active in astronomical research. Others, such as Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin and Mount Wilson Observatory in California, now prioritize public outreach and education.
These historic observatories offer a glimpse into the history of the cosmos, showcasing significant astronomical discoveries made within their walls. From E. E. Barnard’s spotting of a new moon of Jupiter to Edwin Hubble’s groundbreaking observation of other galaxies beyond the Milky Way, these observatories hold rich scientific histories.
Visiting these sites also highlights the impact of human activity on the night sky. Light pollution has made it difficult for people in the valley below Lick Observatory to see the stars at night. Over time, the observing conditions at Mount Hamilton began to deteriorate due to increased lights and smog.
The locations of these observatories near metropolitan areas now seem incongruous, with light pollution obscuring the once-dark skies. However, visiting these historic sites can inspire efforts to reverse these changes, both at the observatories themselves and in our own communities.
The journey to Mount Hamilton is a scenic one, winding through hills and forests. The observatory’s Historical Collections preserve not only images of astronomical objects but also scenes of daily life on the mountain. Looking through a telescope at these observatories offers a unique experience, allowing observers to feel the depth of time as they gaze at objects millions of light-years away.
Lick Observatory’s Great Refractor stands as an impressive structure, with a towering tube and a 99-ton steel behemoth capable of rotating 360 degrees. The observatory’s location on the mountain was a challenging feat, with materials transported by mules over a century ago.
Astronomer and consultant John Barentine believes that looking through a telescope can be transformative. However, he emphasizes the need to combat light pollution on the ground to fully enjoy the rewards of observing the night sky.
Numerous studies have documented the harmful effects of light pollution, not only on astronomy but on the natural world as a whole. Humans and other species rely on darkness and natural light rhythms for various biological processes. However, light pollution is rapidly increasing, with 80% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies.
Barentine states that the technical solutions to combat light pollution are known and proven, but what is missing is the will to implement them. Implementing local lighting ordinances and regulating outdoor lighting colors are potential solutions.
Flagstaff, home to Lowell Observatory, has been successful in protecting the dark sky as a natural resource. The city has implemented lighting ordinances, including spectrum management which limits approved lighting to certain wavelengths.
Barentine believes that light pollution is an environmental challenge that can be definitively solved in our lifetimes. Success in combating light pollution would benefit not only astronomy but also the overall well-being of ecosystems and human populations.
Overall, visiting historic observatories like Lick Observatory offers a unique experience to connect with the cosmos as well as a reminder of the importance of preserving our dark skies.
