Built by George Ellery Hale with funding from Andrew Carnegie in 1908, the 60-inch telescope on Mount Wilson remains the world’s largest entirely devoted to public viewing, and until the completion of Mount Wilson’s 100-inch scope, held the position of the world’s largest overall. The telescope served astronomical research for more than half a century after its creation, and has contributed to numerous discoveries. For instance, during World War I, Harlow Shapley used the 60-inch to disprove the belief that the sun sits at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Its retirement from active scientific use enabled Mount Wilson Observatory to open it for public viewing.
Public access to the telescope allows for group visitations of up to 25 individuals and requires at least four weeks advance scheduling and ticket purchase. Ticket prices vary, and groups may choose between a half-night or full-night viewing session. Although the observatory’s current policy does not regularly offer viewing sessions for individuals, it occasionally holds single-ticket nights and announces dates through its social media accounts.
For more information about the Mount Wilson Observatory’s 60-inch telescope, visit mtwilson.edu/60in.html.