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(PLA only) Mt. Wilson Observatory: Astrophysics Program
October 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Release Date: August 28 at 12 pm
This event is for 4th-12th grade PLA students and their families. All students must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended for 4-8th grade and PAGE students.
Career Focus: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Mount Wilson Observatory, one of the most historically important observatories in the world, sits above Pasadena, a hub for Astronomy. Our field trip program will be led by astronomers from the world-renowned institutes of Carnegie Observatories, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and the California Institute of Technology. Students learn, at any level, about the astrophysics that led Hubble to discover the expanding Universe. Students will get to know and recognize the basics of our vast universe using the very instruments that Hale, Hubble, and Shapley have used. The program also includes the contributions of historic female astronomers and an introduction to careers in astronomy. See the website for more information. Participants should bring a packed lunch.
Please Note: The high elevation of the Observatory (5715 ft) and the change in elevation during the approximately one-mile and two-hour long tour are unsuitable for individuals with respiratory and heart problems or with limited mobility.
The century-old facilities are not ADA-compliant and, except for the Astronomical Museum and the Cosmic Cafe, offer no access to those who cannot climb multiple flights of stairs. Tours of the Observatory, either guided or unguided, are inappropriate for guests with limited mobility. Visitors should take these factors into consideration before touring the Observatory.
All student/sibling participants must be 4th grade or older. All students/siblings are required to purchase a ticket. Accompanying adults do not need a ticket and due to space limitations may not be able to participate in all parts of the program.
Sage Oak 4th-12th Grade PLA Students: $38
4th-12th Grade Siblings: $38
Tickets can be purchased out of pocket or with Instructional Funds (for Sage Oak students). Purchasing with Instructional Funds: Please verify with your student’s teacher/EA that your student has sufficient instructional funds available for this purchase. We are not able to provide alternative payment options if there are insufficient funds and we are not able to refund any accompanying out-of-pocket ticket purchases.