Mount Wilson Observatory

06/13/2026

Sun June 14, 1-5PM: We'll be at the City of Astronomy Science Festival at the Pasadena Convention Center this Sunday! Stop by our table to learn about the Observatory's history, public programs, telescope viewing opportunities, STEM education programs, and volunteer opportunities. At 4:30 PM, don’t miss Carnegie astronomer Jeff Rich’s presentation on "Mt. Wilson and the Discovery of Galaxies". Free & open to the public!

06/11/2026

There are films you watch…and then there are films you experience. This Saturday at Mount Wilson Observatory: Our Heavenly Bodies (1925), a silent-era journey through the cosmos, accompanied by a live score featuring voice, woodwinds, and synth. (Yes, it really is as enchanting as it sounds.)
Saturday, June 13 • 3 PM
🎟️ mtwilson.edu/events/movie061326/

06/11/2026

Join us atop Mount Wilson on June 20 for a fascinating astronomy talk, dinner from the food truck (or bring a picnic), and observing through both the 60-inch and 100-inch telescopes. Talks & Telescopes is our most affordable way to experience both historic telescopes in a single evening. Feel the ripple effects of a great night out!
🎟️ mtwilson.edu/events/lecture062026

06/10/2026

We're grateful to LA Opus for its thoughtful review of our season-opening concert in the 100-inch dome - truly capturing what makes these concerts so special: extraordinary musicians performing in one of the world's most remarkable scientific spaces. Thank you to the artists, our audience, and LA Opus for joining us on the mountain.
Read the full review:

REVIEW “Piano & Strings,” Mount Wilson Observatory JOHN STODDER On the penultimate Sunday in May, in the 100-inch Telescope Dome at the Moun...

06/10/2026

FREE Star Party! Fri June 12 | Sunset-1AM
Looking for a simple way to spend an evening under the stars? Join Mount Wilson Observatory and the Los Angeles Astronomical Society for a free public star party. Jupiter and Venus will be highlights of the evening. Other potential targets include the Hercules Cluster (M13), the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), and the Ring and Dumbbell Nebulae. If conditions are right, the Milky Way may even be visible to the naked eye. No reservations required. Donations supporting both organizations are gratefully accepted at the front gate.
More info: www.mtwilson.edu/events/starparty061226

06/06/2026

On June 13, our Matinees on the Mountain series presents Our Heavenly Bodies (1925), a fascinating silent-era film that explores humanity's quest to understand the universe. Presented in collaboration with the Livonian Cinema, this special screening will feature an original live score by Linnea Sablosky and Michael Sachs, blending voice, woodwinds, synth, and the Observatory's own historic organ to create a truly one-of-a-kind accompaniment. Enjoy lunch at the Cosmic Cafe, explore the Observatory, and experience a silent film in a setting that feels made for it.
🎟️ www.mtwilson.edu/events/movie061326

06/04/2026

This Sunday, June 7, Rogue Lemon Collective brings "High Ground, New Sound" to the 100-inch telescope dome at Mount Wilson Observatory. Featuring Eleanor Dunbar, Megan Shun, Rita Andrade, Zach Reaves, and Karl McComas-Reichl, the Los Angeles ensemble blends original compositions with inventive arrangements of classical, pop, rock, and film music—including the world premiere of two new works. Performances at 3 PM and 5 PM. Our opening concert of the season sold out, and tickets for this weekend are going quickly!
🎟️ Reserve your seats: mtwilson.edu/events/concert060726

06/03/2026

There are many ways to explore Mount Wilson Observatory! Join one of our weekend public tours, book a private group tour, dive deep into the mechanics of our historic telescopes on an Engineering Tour, or explore the grounds at your own pace with a self-guided visit. Whether you're interested in astronomy, engineering, history, or simply enjoying a day in the mountains, our tours offer a closer look at the instruments and discoveries that transformed our understanding of the universe.
Learn more about all of our tour options at www.mtwilson.edu/tours

06/01/2026

We recently welcomed a group from the food pantry to Mount Wilson Observatory for an evening of observing under the stars. The group enjoyed views through our historic telescopes and a chance to experience the night sky from one of Southern California's most significant scientific landmarks. We're glad everyone had a wonderful visit and appreciate their work in the community!

05/31/2026

On June 7, Rogue Lemon Collective brings “High Ground, New Sound” to the 100-inch dome at Mount Wilson Observatory. Featuring Eleanor Dunbar, Megan Shun, Rita Andrade, Zach Reaves, and Karl McComas-Reichl, the Los Angeles ensemble blends original compositions with inventive arrangements of classical, pop, rock, and film music - including the world premiere of two new songs. Performances at 3 PM & 5 PM. Our first concert of the season sold out, so reserve early!
🎟️ mtwilson.edu/events/concert060726