View and image through the world famous 60-inch telescope on close-by Mt. Wilson! This is one of the largest telescopes in the world that you can still view "live" through the eyepiece. The largeaperture and resolving power provide spectacular detail and high magnification. Although high above Pasadena and not as dark as it used to be, Mt. Wilson still enjoys excellent "seeing" because of the very stable air that flows in from the Pacific. The telescope aperture is so large and objects so bright that even "snapshot" cameras can capture spectacular images with hand-held exposures. The OCA rents the 60-inch telescope from Mt. Wilson for a whole night. Mt. Wilson personnel operate the telescope but objects viewed are the choice of the observers. The cost is divided by the number of people that attend. A small group of 12 observers is $100/person. A larger group of 20 observers is $60/person. No down payment is required to make a reservation. Payment by check is due one month prior to the observing session once the number of people is known. There is a full refund if the night is cloudy or if the session is cancelled for some other reason. Only a limited number of spaces are available so make reservations early. Members may bring guests. Children must be at least 16 years old. The April session is closed, but openings for other sessions are still available. For information or to make reservations contact Dick Greenwald at dickgreenwald.astro@earthlink.net. Here's a list of the available dates 2007:       

Photo by Gale Gant