60-inch Telescope Reservations
Mount Wilson’s 60-inch telescope provides incredible views of some of the most beautiful objects in the night sky and is among the largest in the world accessible to public viewing.
Telescope Background
Mount Wilson Observatory’s 60-inch telescope was completed in 1908 by Observatory founder George Ellery Hale with funding from Andrew Carnegie. It was the world’s largest operational telescope until Hale went on to complete the Mt. Wilson 100-inch telescope in 1917. For a more detailed history of this revolutionary instrument, which became the model for all large observatory telescopes of the future, see the article “Building the 60-inch Telescope.”
Among the many important discoveries from the 60-inch telescope was Harlow Shapley’s revelation in 1918 that the accepted view of the time, that our Sun was near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, was wrong. Shapley used the light gathering power of the 60-inch to show that our solar system is instead half way out toward the edge of our Galaxy. The telescope was a workhorse instrument for astronomy for over half a century and used by astronomical luminaries such as Edwin Hubble, Walter Baade, and Allan Sandage to unravel the secrets of stars and galaxies.
Now retired from active scientific service, the 60-inch and the 100-inch telescopes are the largest in the world made exclusively available to the public. With their large light-collecting mirrors and the exquisite skies over Mount Wilson, these historic telescopes provide an unrivaled and unique astronomical experience.
Viewing Fees
The fees are $1,300 per half night and $1,750 per full night for a group of up to 25 people.
Half Night: Start is the end of civil twilight (Approximately 20 minutes after sunset) to 1AM
Full Night: Start is the end of civil twilight (Approximately 20 minutes after sunset) to the start of civil twilight (Approximately 30 minutes before sunrise) or when the skies become too bright to view objects.
We are able to schedule a half night of observing for the first half of the night only. Logistical problems preclude us from scheduling two different groups for the first and second halves of the night. We also do not provide a service for matching different groups to share the same reservation.
Private pre-session tours are available for a minimum fee of $170 which covers up to ten guests; additional guests are $17 per person. This is a great way to get grounded in the remarkable history of the Observatory and to see the both big telescopes and the solar tower telescope before starting your session. To set up a pre-session tour please request one when making your telescope observing session reservation.
Check Availability Calendar
Telescope reservations must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Dates earlier than are not currently eligible for reservation. An empty date on the calendar indicates possible availability but does not guarantee that a reservation can be accommodated.
Important Information
Your Session Director will contact you one week before your booking to arrange your visit.
PLEASE NOTE: For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age are not permitted to attend observing sessions on the 60-inch or 100-inch telescopes.
Meeting Time: Chosen or agreed to by the Session Director, typically around Sunset. For safety and other logistic considerations, planning multiple additional arrival time(s) cannot be accommodated.
Parking: We can accommodate up to 10 cars or up to a 30-passenger bus to park at or near the telescope dome. Any greater number of cars or larger size of passenger bus will require special logistics and must be discussed with the Session Director well in advance of the session.
National Forest Adventure Pass: Parking passes are not required for observing sessions as you will be parking within the Observatory grounds as instructed by your Session Director.
Pre-session Tours of the Observatory: A private tour of the Observatory can be combined with your observing session for a nominal extra fee. This is a great way to get grounded in the remarkable history of the Observatory and to see both big telescopes and the 150-foot Solar telescope before you start your session. To set up your pre-session tour please request a tour at the time you make your reservation.
Cancellation: Your session confirmation or cancellation the day of the session may be done only by the Session Director. Weather, telescope/observatory operations and/or external reasons are some factors that may require cancelling the session.
Dome logistics and accommodations: Dome lights will be turned down to dim red for observing.
No Handicapped Access: The dome was built in 1908 and is not ADA-compliant, offering no access for those who cannot climb stairs and ladders. Visiting is not suggested for those with respiratory or heart problems due to the stairs and the 5700-ft elevation.
Chairs: Mount Wilson Observatory provides chairs.
Refreshments: We provide hot water, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, cups, and stirrers/spoons.
Smoking (including “vapors”) & Alcoholic Beverages are not permitted at Mount Wilson Observatory.
Restroom: Located inside the dome, on the ground level.
Photography: Non-flash photography through the eyepiece during the observing session will be permitted, with the approval of the Telescope Operator and Session Director. Special and advance approval from the Session Director is required for cameras or other devices to be mounted to the telescope. Before the session starts, feel free to take photographs of the telescope and Observatory grounds.
What to bring with you for the observing session:
Clothing: Warm layers like sweater, coat, hat, etc. as the dome is not heated and the temperature in the dome can quickly drop. Sturdy closed-toed shoes/boots.
Flashlights: White flashlight when leaving the dome; red flashlight duriing the observing time.
Refreshments: You may bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the observing level.
Observing list: While the Telescope Operator has a list of appropriate objects for the 60-inch Telescope, please feel free to bring your own observing list. The Telescope Operator’s decision is final on whether a particular object can be observed at a particular time.
Cancellation Policy
MWO CANCELLATION:
Weather or other conditions beyond our control may require us to cancel or modify your reservation, sometimes at short notice. Because Mount Wilson Observatory is located at high elevation and is subject to rapidly changing conditions, we actively monitor weather forecasts, road access, and site safety in the days leading up to your scheduled program.
FULL REFUND:
If Mount Wilson Institute cancels a reservation due to weather or other safety-related conditions, any funds paid will be fully refunded within five (5) business days of the cancellation. Alternatively, the reservation may be rescheduled, subject to availability.
PARTIAL REFUND:
Should a viewing session be cut short by weather or the above reasons after the session has begun, payment will be refunded on a pro-rated basis according to the following schedule:
| Percentage of night that is clear: | Percentage of the fee refunded: |
| 75 | 0 |
| 50 | 50 |
| 25 | 75 |
All dome-closure judgements will be made solely by the telescope operator in the dome.
If, prior to the start of the session, the client insists on carrying out a night against the recommendation of MWI, no refund will be given if the night is unsuccessful.
CLIENT CANCELLATION:
Should the client choose to cancel for any reason, the final payment or a portion thereof will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the reserved date:
- 3 weeks or more in advance – 100% of all monies paid
- 2 weeks or more in advance – 50% of the telescope fee, 100% of tour and/or Monastery fees
- Less than 2 weeks in advance – 0% of the telescope fee, 100% of tour and/or Monastery fees
Monastery and tour payments can be refunded up to the reservation date.
Information for Photographers
For telescope users interested in taking photographs, click here for a PDF file with helpful information on how to get the best images at your 60-inch Telescope viewing session.
