Mount Wilson Observatory
Explore the history, science, and technology of Mount Wilson Observatory Weekend Public Tours | Engineering Tours | Private Tours | Self-Guided Tours | Virtual Tour
Visiting - Mount Wilson Observatory
Located on the summit of Mount Wilson above Pasadena at an altitude of 5715 feet, Mount Wilson Observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area. Free of charge, visitors can view the historic Hooker 100-inch telescope from the Visitors’ Gallery inside the dome.
Mount Wilson Observatory | 100-inch Telescope
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, between the ground level and observing deck.
HPWREN tower cams - Mount Wilson Observatory
Mt. Wilson Observatory HPWREN TOWER CAMS – CURRENT IMAGES. CLICK TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE
Mount Wilson Observatory | Our Story
The scientific process of astronomy begun more than a century ago at Mount Wilson continues today around the world and in space with such instruments as the Hubble Space Telescope, named for one of Mount Wilson’s outstanding astronomers.
Mount Wilson Observatory | 60″ Telescope
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.
Mount Wilson Observatory | CHARA
Mount Wilson’s newest astronomical instruments are Georgia State University’s optical interferometric array of six telescopes. This facility, located here because of the exceptional seeing conditions, puts Mount Wilson back on the cutting edge of astrophysics. The full array was completed in 2004.
Mount Wilson Observatory | Conditions
The following sites provide weather forecast and condition information and the status of county and state roads that provide access to Mount Wilson Observatory: Current Conditions (Frequently Updated) from CHARA Weather Stations; MWO National Weather Service Brief Forecast; MWO National Weather Service Detailed Forecast
Mount Wilson Observatory | Observing
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.
Mount Wilson Observatory | Maps
Access to Mount Wilson is via the Angeles Crest Highway (CA Hwy 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Canada Flintridge. Directions given by apps on your phone can be incorrect. We recommend downloading and printing our PDF map with directions here.