Mount Wilson Observatory

The Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) is an astronomical observatory in Los Angeles County, California. The MWO is located on Mount Wilson, a 5,715 foot (1,742 m) peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, northeast of Los Angeles.

Related Topics:
Observatory - Los Angeles County, California - Mount Wilson - San Gabriel Mountains - Pasadena - Los Angeles

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Mount Wilson has naturally steadier air than any North America location, making it ideal for astronomy and in particular for interferometry. The growth of greater Los Angeles has limited the ability of the observatory to engage in deep space astronomy, but it remains a productive center with many new and old instruments in use for science.

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It was first directed by George Ellery Hale, who brought the 40 inch (1 m) telescope from the Yerkes Observatory. The Mount Wilson Solar Observatory was first funded by the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1904, two years after its own founding, and that foundation is still the main supporter of the observatory.

Related Topics:
George Ellery Hale - Yerkes Observatory - Carnegie Institution of Washington - 1904

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