Photo credit: Mount Wilson Observatory
When it was founded in 1904, Mount Wilson Observatory was home to the world’s largest telescope. Since then, the observatory’s telescopes have been used by world-famous astronomers, among them the likes of Edwin Hubble and George Ellery Hale, to make countless extraordinary discoveries.
For this month’s Cosmic Cocktail Hour, Tim Thompson, a Mount Wilson Institute trustee, will lead a presentation about Mount Wilson Observatory’s fascinating history Wednesday, April 7, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom, sponsored by the Pasadena Senior Center.
The observatory’s history spans from 1889 when astronomy was first brought to the isolated mountaintop, to 1923 when astronomer Margaret Harwood became the first woman allowed to use the observatory, to 1944 when astronomer Walter Baade took advantage of World War II blackout conditions to observe stars in the center of the Andromeda Galaxy for the first time, to today as Mount Wilson Observatory carries on its storied legacy.
The cost of the Zoom event is only $7 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $10 for nonmembers 50 and older. Residency in Pasadena is not required.
To register, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Events, Clubs and Lectures, then Online Events or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers will receive an email link to access the Zoom event. Anyone who does not have WiFi or an email address can call 626-795-4331 to receive a number to call to join this Zoom event by phone.
Pour your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy the trip.
For more information about online activities and other programs and services of the Pasadena Senior Center, visit the website or call (626) 795-4331.
The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has been serving older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services and other programs and services for older adults in need. Masks and social distancing are required.
