PALOMAR MOUNTAIN, Calif. – The California Institute of Technology’s Palomar Observatory invites the public to share the wonders of exploring the universe during its open house on Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will go behind the glass for an insider’s tour of the giant Hale Telescope.
Events at the open house will include tours of the 200-inch Hale and 60-inch telescopes, talks by Caltech and JPL astronomers, solar observing (weather permitting), exhibits, prizes, and more. For those with interests outside of astronomy, rangers from the Cleveland National Forest Service will be on hand to answer questions and the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will have a vintage 1929 fire truck on display.
Walking is required to reach many of the open house events but buses and tour guides will take people to a number of the events at the observatory.
Admission to the open house is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with Palomar Observatory and astronomy souvenirs.
The Palomar Observatory is located at 35899 Canfield Road on Palomar Mountain. To reach Palomar, exit Interstate 15 at State Highway 76 eastbound. Twenty-five miles from the interchange, County Road S-6 exits to the left and climbs to the Palomar summit, ending at the observatory gates. Parking will be limited. (Please note that there are no service stations on Palomar Mountain. Visitors should check their fuel before driving to the observatory.)
Directions and more information is available at http://friendsofpalomarobservatory.org or by calling (760) 742-2111.
