Mount Wilson Observatory

On this day in 1910, Andrew Carnegie visited Mount Wilson Observatory. His philanthropy helped realize George Ellery Hale’s vision. Today the Observatory’s historic structures are owned by Carnegie Science and operated by the Mount Wilson Institute.

2026 docent training is underway! We welcomed both longtime docents and new trainees this past weekend as we prepare for another season sharing the history and science of Mount Wilson Observatory. Tours resume April 11 (weather permitting). See you on the mountain!

A new season is on the horizon at Mount Wilson Observatory! Concerts in the Dome, Talks & Telescopes, Matinees on the Mountain, tours, public observing nights, free star parties & more! Science, history, engineering & the arts - all on the mountain. Details coming soon.

Work where the forest meets the stars! ✨🌲 The Cosmic Café at Mount Wilson Observatory is hiring for the 2026 season. Part-time, seasonal position (spring–fall) with weekend availability. Love working with people? Send your resume & cover email to: cosmiccafe@mtwilson.edu

Reservations are now open! Group observing with the 60- & 100-inch telescopes at Mount Wilson begins April 1. The largest telescopes in the world available for public use — an unforgettable night under the stars. Reserve now: mtwilson.edu/observe

Until our on-mountain merch store reopens this spring, you can still support Mount Wilson Observatory with a hoodie or t-shirt. Every purchase supports research, preservation, education, and the arts. mtwilson.edu/merch

On our Youtube Channel you will find a treasure trove of video content - from history & science to music & art. Discover Mount Wilson Observatory's past and present on YouTube. Subscribe now to stay up to date with new content (our future!): @mtwilsonobservatory" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@mtwilsonobser…

You had me at first light. In astronomy, “first light” marks the moment a telescope first captures light — the beginning of discovery. Happy Valentine’s Day from Mount Wilson Observatory!

For over a century, Mount Wilson has studied the Sun. From the Snow Solar Telescope to the 60-ft and 150-ft Solar Towers, this work continues today. On clear days, the towers are visible across the LA basin - silent markers of solar discovery.

Behind the scenes at the 150-Foot Solar Tower: our Technical Services volunteers recently completed critical maintenance to help preserve this 124-year-old solar research instrument for the future. Video: Rob Skinner

Completed in 1912, the 150-foot Solar Tower became one of history’s most important solar instruments. Since 1917, astronomers here have kept the world’s longest continuous hand-drawn sunspot record—still vital to solar science today.

Seeking enthusiastic communicators! Love Mount Wilson Observatory? Join our Docent Team. Training starts March 2026—no astronomy background required. Lead weekend tours and help bring Mount Wilson’s scientific legacy to life. Apply: mtwilson.edu/docents

Completed in 1908, Mount Wilson’s 60-foot Solar Tower transformed solar observing with daily, precise studies of sunspots & motion. Using it, George Ellery Hale identified magnetic fields on the Sun—revealing magnetism as a universal force and helping define modern solar physics.

Big plans are brewing for our 2026 season - concerts, lectures, tours, movies & more. The Cosmic Cafe & public tours return weekends in mid-April; public events in May. Join our mailing list or follow along here. See you on the mountain soon! bit.ly/mwosignup

Brought from Yerkes Observatory in 1904, the Snow Solar Telescope was the first instrument at the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory. It enabled early studies of sunspots and solar spectra, helping lay the foundation of modern solar physics—and still inspires visitors today.

Thanks to you, Mount Wilson Observatory begins 2026 strong. We’re deeply grateful to the members & donors who supported our year-end campaign - every gift helps preserve a century of discovery. Thank you, & we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026!

“It cannot too often be repeated that the Sun is the only star whose phenomena can be studied in detail.” With these words, George Ellery Hale set the vision for the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory - where solar research was central from the very beginning.

With Mount Wilson Observatory’s STEM Program, students visit the mountaintop where humanity discovered its place in the universe. Einstein, Hawking, and Carl Sagan all came here—now today’s students can too. Know a teacher or school group? Please share! mtwilson.edu/stem

Winter hours at Mount Wilson: open daily 10AM–4PM with the museum, 100-inch gallery & restrooms open. Café and public tours return in spring; private tours available by booking.❄️Road conditions change quickly - check LA County road closures before visiting.

Recently, artists from the Tierra del Sol Foundation gathered at Mount Wilson’s Monastery for plein air sketching & painting. Tierra del Sol supports artists with disabilities - and their work shows how the mountain inspires all who visit. Learn more: tierradelsolgallery.org