Mount Palomar Observatory

Activity Overview

If you love all things Astronomy, you should visit the Mount Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California. Mount Palomar is about 40 miles North East of San Diego. The observatory is site of Astronomical research, as well as public tours, visitors can tour the Observatory almost all through the year. The Hale telescope at the observatory is named after American Astronomer George Ellery Hale, it made its first observations in 1949. The other two research telescopes are Samuel Oschin telescope, and the 60-inch telescope. Visitors can take guided tours of the facility, the observatory is open everyday to public tours.

Things to Do

• Take guided tour of the 200-inch Hale telescope Dome, guided tours are available April through October.
• The Addison White Greenway visitor center features graphic image of the Orion Nebula, a star-forming region.
• See the largest telescope of the observatory, Hale, displays in it feature discoveries of the telescope, its components and scientific information.
• The temperatures inside the Hale telescope dome are at minimal, so dress up accordingly.
• The visitor center museum features history of the observatory, scientific discoveries, and the latest discoveries.
• The grounds surrounding the observatory have picnic tables. Food is not available in the facility.
• The Greenway visitor center has the Observatory gift shop, see models of Hale telescope, books, postcards, mugs, and apparel.

Mount Palomar Observatory Insider Tips

• Kids under the age of 5 are not admitted on guided tours.