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Lick Observatory

Mt Hamilton CA

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View of the Lick dome from the dormitory.

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James Lick is buried under the pier of the 36” refracting telescope.

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Shane 3 m Telescope

Adaptive Optics and the Old Coude focus

(left to right)Movie? But mirror at the bottom

Red: Where the mirror is located

Pink: Laser - on the “arm”, was the prototype system for adaptive optics. Book talks about being used on Keck Observatory in hawaii. Used to help “settle the atmosphere”. Sets up a fake star in the sky, and works with the telescope to clean up the image and unblur the image. Like looking at a penny at the bottom of a pool w/water that is not still. Not unique to Keck. Have to clear with military to make sure nothing is in the way to get “hit” by the laser.

Green: Where the light is focusing on the telescope Coude focus)

Blue: Chair where scientist would sit to collect the information and hold a plate to collect the image (not used anymore). Used to be located where the green arrow is on the left image. They would have to climb up and sit at the high perch, and bring the plates with them. Now we have this process automated.

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Nickel Telescope

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Using the Nickel Telescope and the View from the top of the mountain