THE SITE: Palomar Observatory THE PLACE: By night, students,
professors, researchers and astronomers from around the globe
converge upon the world-class Palomar Observatory to conduct
astronomical research. During the day, the public can tour the
facility, see the telescope and get a sensation of knocking on
heaven's door. Scott Kardel, public affairs coordinator,
recommends that first-time visitors take the guided tour, which
lasts about an hour. “It explains the history, all the pieces
and parts, and all the cool stuff about the science,” he said.
The self-guided tour does not allow visitors to get as close to
the telescope, and no one is available to answer questions,
Kardel said. The observatory is owned by the California
Institute of Technology, he said. “The studies change every
couple of nights with different research projects. Tonight it's
seeking dim dwarf stars and tomorrow night it's black holes.”
Construction of the telescope began in 1936. “Building the
200-inch telescope spanned the Great Depres