In 1904, there was no Angeles Crest Highway … only the Mount Wilson Toll Road located at the base of the foothills in Altadena. This was the access used to take building materials to Mount Wilson, the 5,710 foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. It was there George Ellery Hale conceived and founded the Mount Wilson Observatory, the home of some of the most important telescopes in the development of modern astronomy and forever linked with Caltech and JPL

Today, the Observatory is run by the non-profit Mount Wilson Institute. Its goal is to preserve this historic site, its grounds and impressive telescopes, and to maximize the Observatory’s scientific, educational and cultural potential. In addition, the Institute will work to re-establish Mount Wilson Observatory as a local, national and world destination.

The Observatory and the grounds are open to the public during the spring and summer months. Public and private tours bring to life the story of Mount Wilson Observatory and its contributions to astronomical history. There are a wide range of activities including telescope viewings, engineering tours, and astronomy and art events. In addition, a series of lectures by noted astronomers and scientists, as well as a series of musical performances in the dome of the 100-inch telescope, are available.

During the recent Eaton Fire, brush clearance along with a red line of fire retardant in the heavy brush below the ridge provided defensible space sparing the Observatory’s communications equipment and buildings. The peak remained without power for one week. Fuel was trucked in daily to power generators so that TV, radio, two-way communication along with emergency services could continue.

To learn more about Mount Wilson’s originator George Ellery Hale and all that is available at the Observatory, the community is invited to attend the Les Tupper Community Service Awards ceremony where Sam Hale, G.E. Hale’s grandson, will be the keynote speaker. The event honors local individuals and organizations that have given outstanding service to the community and takes place at Flintridge Prep’s Norris Auditorium on Monday, April 7 and is open to the public free of charge.