LICK OBSERVATORY (CALIFORNIA, US)

INTRODUCTION:

Lick observatory is 20 miles from downtown San Jose, Calif., situated on the summit of Mt. Hamilton. Built by James Lick, this observatory is operated by University of California Observatories (UCO). The way to the observatory is very scenic, with a view of the Bay Area from the heights. There are 10 telescopes, the biggest measuring 120 inches. There are not many attractions to see once you reach the observatory, but the telescope itself is an attraction you rarely get to see anywhere else. The building and the dome in which the telescope is situated are worth the visit. The view from the heights of the Bay Area is like heaven. You can see San Francisco or Los Angeles on a clear day. The room in which the 36-inch telescope is standing is cooler than other areas of the observatory because they can not control the temperature of this room. The floor of this room is moves up and down and is made of walnut wood. The dome can half open from the top so scientists can see the sky through the telescopes. The dome can rotate in all directions so scientists can adjust the direction of telescope accordingly. The 15-minute guided tour of the observatory is free. There is a gift shop and a visual aid room. You can do photography there, and if you walk down approximately 10 minutes you can see the other telescope, which is 120 inches. It is in another building, and there is a self-guided tour. Some plasma screens are also kept there to give some important information regarding this telescope. You can park your car for free anywhere near visitor center. There is an astronauts dining room and employee housing, too. There are some dormitories where visitors stay during their visit to this place. Simply superb, the combination of nature and technology. Awesome, spectacular view from the heights. There is a small telescope standing in front of the visitor center, which is free for visitors; you can have a breath-taking view of the Bay Area from this instrument. In the building there are some stones which have fallen from space kept in a glass box. The observatory is open to the public weekdays 12:30 to 5 p.m. and on weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The observatory is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sometimes in winter, they block the road and do not allow visitors to visit the observatory because of snow-covered roads; during snowfall it's dangerous to drive uphill..

ATTRACTIONS:

Lick observatory is itself an attraction renowned as a world-class telescope and research institute. On the way to Lick observatory there are some parks you can stop by and can enjoy, too. Sometimes, you will see some deer and foxes running, playing and walking with their friends there, so it's a very scenic drive. The trees are very big and reflect a variety of colors. Some small lakes are also on the way. It's biking-friendly, or you can do hiking here, too.

HOW TO REACH:

Lick observatory is easily accessible. The roads are in very good condition, but windy and narrow, so be careful in driving. Alum Rock Avenue and Mt. Hamilton Road are good to visit this place; please, avoid Quimby Road because it's too narrow, dangerous and steep with twists and turns.

ADVISE:

There is no gas station near by so fill your tank with gas before to visit this place. Driving is challenging so be careful. Roads are narrow very good in condition. Best time to visit there is before December. Do not go there in dark or night time because its close and the light problem you will face near to this place because to watch from the telescope in night needs dark so they off the extra light near to this area. Bring some woolen clothes because the weather is frequently changeable there because of its height 4209 feet. There is no food service or wheelchair access to main building so bring some snacks. Please turn on your head lights of car in the day time too it will be more safe for driver. Before to visit this place first call the visitor center and ask about the weather and road condition weather it is open or close so it will help you.

ITEMS REQUIRED:

Woolen cloth, sun glasses, mobile, camera, snacks, full the car tank with gas, cold cream or lip gloss.

REQUIRED LINK:

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