Mount Wilson Observatory
History
Mount Wilson Observatory, located in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1904. Founded by George Ellery Hale, the observatory was initially equipped with a 60-inch telescope, which at the time was the largest operational telescope in the world. The observatory was later expanded with the addition of a 100-inch Hooker telescope in 1917, again setting a record for the largest telescope in the world.
Scientific Contributions
The Mount Wilson Observatory has made numerous significant contributions to the field of astronomy. It was here that Edwin Hubble made his groundbreaking discovery of the expansion of the universe, fundamentally changing our understanding of cosmology. Hubble, along with his assistant Milton Humason, also developed the Hubble's Law and the concept of Hubble sequence at Mount Wilson.
In addition to these monumental discoveries, the observatory has also been instrumental in the study of stellar evolution, sunspot activity, and galactic structure.
Instruments
The observatory is home to several major instruments. The 60-inch Hale telescope, installed in 1908, was the first large telescope at Mount Wilson. It remains in operation today, primarily for public outreach and education.
The 100-inch Hooker telescope, which was the world's largest telescope from 1917 until 1948, is also still in use. This telescope was used by Hubble for his pioneering work on galaxies and the expansion of the universe.
The solar telescopes at Mount Wilson, including the 60-foot and 150-foot solar towers, have been used for detailed studies of the Sun. These towers allow astronomers to study the Sun in unprecedented detail, leading to important discoveries about solar activity and its impact on Earth's climate.
Current Use
Today, the Mount Wilson Observatory continues to be an active site of research and public outreach. It is operated by the Mount Wilson Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the observatory and promoting public understanding of astronomy. The observatory is open to the public for tours and stargazing sessions, and it also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.