Lick Observatory Mt Hamilton CA
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Description: Lick Observatory is a prominent astronomical observatory located on Mount Hamilton in Santa Clara County, California, United States. It is situated approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of San Jose and 65 miles (105 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco. The observatory is operated by the University of California and is named after James Lick, a wealthy philanthropist who provided the initial funding for its construction. It was founded in 1888 and became the first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory in the world. Lick Observatory is well-known for its historical and ongoing contributions to astronomical research and discoveries. It houses several telescopes, including the 120-inch (3.05 meters) Shane Telescope, the 36-inch (0.91 meters) Great Refractor, and the 40-inch (1.02 meters) Nickel Telescope, among others. The observatory's remote location on Mount Hamilton provides clear and dark skies, making it an excellent site for conducting cutting-edge astronomical observations. It has been instrumental in various discoveries, including the observation of exoplanets, asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. Lick Observatory also offers public programs, such as evening observing sessions and educational events, allowing visitors to learn more about astronomy and witness celestial wonders through their telescopes.