A Walk Around Mt. Wilson Observatory & The Drive Up There, Los Angeles

The Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) is an astronomical observatory in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The MWO is located on Mount Wilson, a 1,740-metre (5,710-foot) peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, northeast of Los Angeles.
The observatory contains two historically important telescopes: the 100-inch (2.5 m) Hooker telescope, which was the largest aperture telescope in the world from its completion in 1917 to 1949, and the 60-inch telescope which was the largest telescope in the world when it was completed in 1908. It also contains the Snow solar telescope completed in 1905, the 60 foot solar tower completed in 1908, the 150 foot (46 m) solar tower completed in 1912, and the CHARA array, built by Georgia State University, which became fully operational in 2004 and was the largest optical interferometer in the world at its completion.
Due to the inversion layer that traps smog over Los Angeles, Mount Wilson has more natural steady air than any other location in North America, making it ideal for astronomy and in particular for interferometry. The increasing light pollution due to the growth of greater Los Angeles has limited the ability of the observatory to engage in deep space astronomy, but it remains a productive center, with the CHARA Array continuing important stellar research.
The observatory was conceived and founded by George Ellery Hale, who had previously built the 1 meter telescope at the Yerkes Observatory, then the world's largest telescope. The Mount Wilson Solar Observatory was first funded by the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1904, leasing the land from the owners of the Mount Wilson Hotel in 1904. Among the conditions of the lease was that it allow public access.

[@TaylorRaine]

This is such a soothing video! Love the bird sounds and the gorgeous views! We love going to Mount Wilson.

[@elangelrockmantico1063]

Do you guys know if is free to get there, and where to buy the pass or ticket

[@sydpotter]

Love the cool dog! Must be the photographer's pet. Great dogs! Thanks for this glimpse!

[@MichaelJirochVisualArtist]

Syd Potter that’s my Max. He makes many cameo appearances in many of my movies. Some have even asked if he is a stray dog, and that hopefully I took him home.

[@sydpotter]

Thanks! Would love to visit this great place but alas it won't be open when I am at Azusa U.in july

[@luckyirvin]

what a sweet day at church feeling god all around. i've enjoyed so many photos taken from this mountain looking out deep

[@MartyInLa]

If you go again, pay $15 and take the tour. It's well worth it if you have an interest in astronomy. I think mine lasted almost 3 hours and I learned a lot!

[@garydavidderby]

Did the climb from henager flats 1999 with my bike 69 years old

[@jennieredrose5819]

I always wonder what's on the other side of mt. Wilson. Like is there another city at the foothill of the face of the Northern side of Mt. Wilson?

[@BonBin9880]

Behind Mount Wilson is Palmdale and Lancaster

[@luckyirvin]

hey Mike.. y'all should be in Indycar racing. wish i cud drive that fast....yeehaaaw how did ya make those tires last?

[@mkilner]

Cool place!...so do they ever open up the big telescopes for the general public?

[@MichaelJirochVisualArtist]

Martin Kilner , yes, yes they do, but certain hours. By appointment. Here are the details, www.mtwilson.edu/.

[@TaylorRaine]

We just made a video of our visit to Mount Wilson too! There is an observation room/ visitors gallery in the 100 inch telescope that is open every day - but the telescope isn't always in operation ❤️

[@TheSolarTutor]

Every Saturday and Sunday the two large telescopes have tours going through them. If you want to see through the telescopes, you should check their Facebook page out or the website provided below. The guided tours are lead by educated docents and are worth the time to enjoy. This year is the 100 year anniversary of the 100 inch telescope being used for first light.

[@rizkhan1983]

Wow....How similar with muree in Pakistan

[@giomars6682]

riz khan not even close bud

[@craigallam343]

Being a cyclist I only wanted to see the road up there! Nonetheless, at least I know it's worth the climb!

[@tootsla1252]

Really annoying "drive up."

[@godsbeautifulflatearth]

The Earth is not a globe.