Private use of the Mount Wilson Observatory 60" scope

[pmrid]

Folks, here's a crazy idea. OK. I acknowledge that up front. But I'm going to float it anyway.

The Mount Wilson Observatory site in the mountains east of LA has a 60" scope (Hale/Cargenie circa 1908) that they make available to private viewing groups at pretty modest rates ($900 a half-night and $1700 a full night).

For this, they accommodate groups up to 25 but I would envisage a much smaller group of 4 or 5 perhaps. Have a look at their site and if anyone is as crazy as I am and would like to investigate a bit further, let me know - PM I guess would be best.

If anyone is knowledgeable about other US sites of interest that may be accessible and that could be wrapped into a bit of a pilgramage - well, so much the better.

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro.asp?p=0_10_2_0_0

Peter

[tlgerdes]

Lick Observatory in San Jose??

http://www.ucolick.org/public/sumvispro.html

[gary]

Hi Peter,

Now and then, some amateur groups have been given time on the 82" (2.1m)
Otto Struve Telescope at the McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains
in the South West of Texas. I have a recollection that some may have paid for time
on it.

I've visited the scope but have not looked through it but know one of the volunteers
associated with the scope, so I could ask if you like.

A friend who lives a few miles from the McDonald Observatory owns a 48" Dob.

The Texas Star Party is held close by at the Prude Rance and will take place May 29
thru June 5th 2011. See http://www.texasstarparty.org/index1.html

The skies in this part of Texas are considerably better than those near L.A.

Best Regards

Gary

[barx1963]

Ia m going to be in LA in late Sept (25th, 26th and 27th and its new moon! yay!) and have been toying with the idea of booking a half night for one of those nights. Problem is I won't have a car and I will be staying in downtown LA so transport to and from Mt Wilson is going to be a prob, especially as the half night ends at around mid night.
Not sure how I am going to work it without hiring a car for the day or teeing up with a local observer to give me lift.

[tlgerdes]

Hi Peter,

Also place Griffith Observatory in LA in your tour list, I was up there today.

They have a mini star party on the weekend after the new moon. It is hosted by the LA Astronomical Society, they setup about a dozen private scopes on the lawn out the front and also have viewing through their 12"refractor.

http://www.griffithobservatory.org/pstarparties.html

Great views over LA. It closes at 10pm.