Sitting on top of the peak of Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, California, is a sanctuary for exploring the universe– the Mount Wilson Observatory. This institution, founded by George Ellery Hale in 1904, has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the universe.
From its inception, the Mount Wilson Observatory has been home to some of the most significant telescopes in the history of modern astronomy. Among its prestigious lineage are the two largest telescopes of their time, instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries that have profoundly impacted our scientific knowledge.
In its early years, the Observatory was aptly named the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory, reflecting Hale’s dedication to studying our nearest star. Here, Hale relocated the Snow Solar Telescope from Yerkes Observatory, driven by his quest to continue his pioneering research on Mount Wilson.
In 1919, with the unveiling of the world’s largest telescope at the time – the awe-inspiring 100-inch – the word “Solar” was dropped from its name, symbolizing a new era of cosmic investigation. Through this telescope, astronomer Edwin Hubble made his revolutionary discoveries, revealing that our Milky Way is merely one of countless galaxies in an ever-expanding universe. This began our current understanding of the Big Bang model and the origins of our cosmos.
Today, the Mount Wilson Observatory welcomes visitors from around the world to admire the historic telescopes, attend lectures and concerts, and enjoy the educational programs that inspire wonder and ignite a passion for the mysteries of the universe.
