Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope
International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark
— 1918 —
Photographed By Craig Baker, July 1, 2018
1. The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope Marker
The increased light-grasp of this telescope made possible many notable advances in structural cosmology between 1924 and 1930. They have revised our ideas about the universe in which we live.
One of these advances was that spiral nebulae are galactic units like our own, another was the idea of an expanding universe.
The telescope's mirror support and the use of mercury flotation to reduce the friction are among its outstanding engineering features.
Erected 1981 by American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 34° 13.556′ N, 118° 3.438′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker can be reached from Mt Wilson Red Box Road, 4.7 miles south of Angeles Crest Highway (California Route 2). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pasadena CA 91107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The 100-Inch Hooker Telescope (a few steps from this marker); Michelson Pier on Mount Wilson (approx. ¼ mile away); Harvard’s Mount Wilson Station (approx. 0.4 miles away);
this page online
More about this marker. The grounds of the Mount Wilson Observatory are open daily from 10 to 5, April 1 to November 30. The Viewing Gallery at the 100-Inch Telescope is a half-mile walk from the parking lot, at an elevation of 5,700 feet. There is also a museum located along the paved path. All are free. Guided tours are available for a fee, and occasional public viewing events allow visitors to look through the historic telescopes.
Regarding The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope. George Ellery Hale began planning this project in 1906; Francis G. Pease was the chief designer and mechanical engineer.
Photographed By Craig Baker, July 2, 2022
2. The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope Marker
In the windows of the Viewing Gallery.
Photographed By Craig Baker, November 24, 2019
3. Entrance to the Viewing Gallery
Located on the west side of the building.
Photographed By Craig Baker (CC0), June 30, 2018
4. The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope
“The Most Important Scientific Instrument of the 20th Century.”
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 30, 2018
5. The Mount Wilson 100 Inch Telescope
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 28, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on July 6, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 28, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
