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"i" is for Information :: Image Names :: Descriptions
On the navigation bar below, click "i" to read about each portfolio when it opens, and descriptions for each image contained within. Click "i" again to close the pop up window.
For example: Several astronomy photos feature contributions written by observers about their forefront research with the telescopes when the shutter was clicked.
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4033_GoldSummitSnow © 2010 Laurie Hatch / image and text - LICK OBSERVATORY - Mt. Hamilton California - 2010 February 21 - Telescope domes and ridge line oaks cast long shadows across the sky as the sun rises behind Mt. Hamilton. The iconic Main Building Visitor Center crowns the summit overlooking Silicon Valley in Northern California. Forefront research, inventive technologies, and influential discoveries continue to sustain Lick Observatory’s legendary stature in its second century of operation. University of California astronomers, collaborators and students observe both on site and remotely using control rooms established on the UC campuses. - A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY - Lick Observatory crowns the 4,200-foot Mt. Hamilton summit above Silicon Valley in central California. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area tycoon and philanthropist James Lick (1796-1876) bequeathed funding for construction which spanned from 1880 to 1887, fulfilling his vision of the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility. In 1959, the Shane 3-meter reflecting telescope was completed on Mt. Hamilton. It continues to provide data for forefront research and engineering programs. In total, the mountain top is home to ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space. - EXPOSURE DATA: Nikon D2x Nikkor 800-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6 ISO Equivalent: 160 / f/8 Exposure: 1/50 second Multi-Exposure Stacked Panorama -FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.ucolick.org, http://mthamilton.ucolick.org/public/pictures/snowpics/, lh@lauriehatch.com, http://www.lauriehatch.comLH4033_GoldSummitSnow1344,960Price On Request
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Images in this collection were created and are copyrighted by Laurie Hatch. The photographs are made available by agreement with University of California Observatories.
Permission to download, reproduce, publish, copy, transmit electronically, or display on websites must first be obtained from Laurie. Please direct all image acquisition and use inquiries to Laurie. Academic, Commercial, and Publisher inquiries are invited.
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories for generous staff assistance in producing these images.
★ Your comments and feedback are welcome
★ lh@lauriehatch.com ★ www.lauriehatch.com
© 2002-2020 Laurie Hatch ★ use by permission only
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Copyright 1999-2020 Laurie Hatch ~ all rights reserved.
Use only by permission. Do not reproduce, publish, copy, or transmit in any form,
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are property of, and appear by courtesy of the respective publishers.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH-RLOB_RETRO LICK OBSERVATORY POSTCARD
This 4.25" x 6" postcard can be purchased when you visit Mount Hamilton, or by mail order from the Lick Observatory Gift Shop.
1999-2016
Inspired by postcards of years gone by, this retro design features a lettered photographic composite of Lick Observatory and its major telescopes on the summit of Mount Hamilton. Image descriptions follow the list below. For additional information, please see individual image pages in my Lick Observatory Portfolio:
OB: LH0002_LIGHTNING THUNDERSTORM 1999 September 8 SE: LH0450_MOUNT HAMILTON SKYLINE 2006 May 14 RV: LH0055_LICK REFRACTOR CLASSIC 2004 May 29 A: LH0250_LICK O'LANTERN 2005 September 19 T: LH0033_SHANE 3M LASER PANORAMA 2002 Winter O: LH2150_APF VENUS SUNSET 2007 June 16 R: LH0061_KATZMAN AUTOMATIC IMAGING TELESCOPE 2004 June 1 Y: LH7360_NICKEL-NIROSETI-CONJUNCTION 2015 October 26 LH0051_SUNSETTE BACKGROUND 2002 November "Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
INDIVIDUAL IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS
OB: LH0002_LIGHTNING THUNDERSTORM
1999 September 8
In this one-minute time exposure looking west from Kepler Peak, a turbulent cloud hurtles lightning into Mt. Hamilton foothills. Across Silicon Valley, more bolts shock the Santa Cruz Mountains twenty miles away. Thunder rumbles across hillsides announcing repeated strikes. Sheets of rain drench valley neighborhoods. It is a spectacle of rare intensity on Mt. Hamilton, and one that will continue past daybreak. Domes remain closed for the duration of the storm, shielding telescopes from the assault.
SE: LH0450_MOUNT HAMILTON SKYLINE
2006 May 14
An early 20th century travel booklet states: “It is a liberal education to visit Mt. Hamilton. The vastness of the universe, the achievements of science are sufficient to fill the heart and to occupy the mind of the most intellectual and ambitious.” Formerly known as La Sierra Ysabel, “The Ham” is now populated by ten telescopes whose ages span over 130 years. Looking east from left to right, foreground: The Main Building houses the 40“ Nickel Reflector on the left; the larger open dome of the Lick 36” Refractor is right. In the middle ground are four domes left to right (only three are readily visible): the silver Crocker dome, the large Shane 3-meter Reflector, the Carnegie Astrograph (virtually hidden), and the 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder (APF). The dome of the 0.76-meter Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT) is in the center background.
RV: LH0055_LICK REFRACTOR CLASSIC
2004 May 29
Lick Observatory Website: Great Lick Refractor
The Lick 36” Refractor is seen through the encompassing eye of a 180-degree fisheye lens. It is challenging to capture the unique ambience inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: “Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope.” Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires visiting classes and summer visitors with enchanting views of the heavens.
A: LH0250_LICK O'LANTERN
2005 September 19
Reminiscent of a gargantuan Halloween pumpkin, this 'Lick O’Lantern' was photographed two nights after the full Harvest Moon. Disk illumination of this waning gibbous moon is 94%, with shadows of craters visible on the upper right edge, or 'limb'. The summit of Mt. Hamilton is seen through an 8” reflector telescope from a location 15.7 miles away in San José, on a compass bearing of 79°. The open dome slit of the Lick 36” Refractor and windows of the Main Building are brightly lit — an uncommon sight after dark. Also seen in silhouette against the lower left limb of the moon is the round dome of the Shane 3-meter Reflector. Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and coordinates from which to view this alignment. The moon rises in a different but predictable place every day. (See LH0250 image page for additional information.)
T: LH0033_LASER PANORAMA
2002 Winter
Lick Observatory Website: Shane 3-meter Reflector
The Shane 120" Reflector was the second largest telescope in the world when it was completed in 1959. It bears the name of former Lick Observatory director and astronomer Donald Shane, who spearheaded its development. The mirror was originally a test blank for the Palomar 200" Reflector, then the world’s largest telescope. (Pyrex glass was invented specifically for use in these mirrors.) Although the Shane is modest in size by current standards, state-of-the-art research progresses in several fields, including adaptive optics and laser guide-star programs. Using the incomparable Hamilton Spectrograph, the Shane is a leader in discovering planets orbiting nearby stars.
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.
This panorama encompasses a vertical, circular sweep of approximately 120°. Imagine that you are taking this picture and looking at the telescope dome. The moon would actually be shining on the back of your shoulders! The image is a composite of eleven separate 60mm x 70mm medium format exposures. They range from one minute in duration for telescope, dome, and laser, to five minutes each for five successive vertical star trail shots. To ensure clarity of detail, the moon was exposed on yet another frame for only a fraction of a second – the moon is surprisingly bright. Film is limited in its ability to capture a broad range of light conditions, and night shots can be particularly finicky. Thus the only means of representing all light values present was to shoot various areas separately. All transparencies were then scanned, and digitally stitched together on a computer using Photoshop, requiring over 160 hours of "digital darkroom" time.
In the right parking area, an “aircraft spotter” is positioned to watch for planes in the vicinity. Staring directly into the 12-watt laser beam could injure a pilot’s eyes, although this possibility is extremely remote, if not virtually impossible. Nevertheless, extra care is taken to avoid any harm. Armed with a kill switch, the spotter can extinguish the laser at any time. The Observatory works closely with the Air Force Space Command and Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that no satellites or aircraft will be in the immediate area during laser propagation, so the spotter doesn’t get to use the switch very often. Because of the long time exposure, the bright red light on the kill switch has illuminated the spotter. Red areas on the pavement on either side of the spotter probably represent a short period of time when the spotter left her chair and walked about with the switch. Only the red light shows on film due to its brightness; the spotter’s clothing did not reflect enough moon light to register on film as was the case when she was sitting still in the chair.
O: LH2150_AUTOMATIC PLANET FINDER VENUS SUNSET
2007 June 16
Lick Observatory Website: Automated Planet Finder (APF)
The newly constructed 2.4-meter APF is framed by a darkening sky, the bright planet Venus, the Lick Observatory Main Building, and the glow of city lights from Silicon Valley. Fully robotic and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph optimized for precision Doppler measurements, it will enable off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood.
R: LH0061_KATZMAN AUTOMATIC IMAGING TELESCOPE
2004 June 1
Lick Observatory Website: Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT)
Painted in the bold blue and gold of its sponsoring institution UC Berkeley, KAIT is one of the world’s most successful detectors of supernova explosions in nearby galaxies. It averages about 7 discoveries per month. It has also observed comets and the early afterglow of elusive gamma ray bursts. With a mirror 76 centimeters in diameter, this modest but highly efficient reflector is fully robotic, operated remotely from Berkeley by astronomers and student researchers. As evening approaches, automatic sensors outside KAIT’s dome determine wind and humidity levels, and open the dome slit if conditions are favorable. KAIT begins a programmed scan of the heavens, and identifies supernova candidates that the astronomers subsequently examine more closely. These data have contributed to the unexpected discovery that the expansion of our universe is currently accelerating, propelled by a mysterious “dark energy.”
Y: LH7360_NICKEL-NIROSETI-CONJUNCTION
2015 October 26
Lick Observatory Website: Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector
This early morning view through the dome slit of the Nickel 40-inch Reflector shows a conjunction of three planets framing the telescope top ring: Mars at lower left, Venus (brightest) above and right, and Jupiter above and left of Venus. Red observing lights tint the dome interior. The Nickel is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12" Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger field of view. At right in the foreground, the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is attached to the bottom of the round black tub. This innovative device is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths. What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
BACKGROUND: LH0051_SUNSETTE
2002 November
This is a view of the Lick Observatory Main Building looking west at sunset from Tycho Brahe Peak. The large dome on the left houses the Lick 36” Refractor; on the right is the Anna Nickel 40” Reflector dome.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
These images are a mix of scanned-digitized film and digital acquisition, using a variety of cameras and lenses. Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. Please see individual image pages in my Lick Observatory Portfolio for additional information.
PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
Lick Observatory Telescopes
UCO / Lick Adaptive OpticsThe History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these photographs.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
Retro Lick Observatory Postcard1280,907Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7310_CLAIRE MAX_3M ADAPTIVE OPTICS /LASER GUIDE STAR
2015 January 5
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS •ShARCSThis image was photographed at Lick Observatory on 2015 January 5. University of California Observatories Interim Director Claire Max is inside the Shane 3m dome while the Adaptive Optics Laser Guide star is propagating.
Note that the sky is a purple-blue color, with stars peeking through gauzy cirrus clouds. (We were fortunate the laser could propagate on this night as cloud conditions were marginal.) This phenomena is not uncommon in the Silicon Valley region. Decades ago, the city of San José installed low pressure sodium street lighting in a 'good neighbor' collaboration with nearby Lick Observatory. Overcast skies often reflect the city's characteristic saffron glow in delicate colors ranging from pink to gold. Filtered through these thin tinted clouds, the moon-brightened blue night appears purple-blue.
https://mthamilton.ucolick.org/public/lighting/Pollution2.html
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
SCALE
Diameter of laser beam: 25 centimeters (~ 9.8 inches)
Diameter of top ring of telescope: 3.6 meters (~ 11.8 feet)
Width of dome opening ("slit"): 6.7 meters (~ 22 feet)NOTES
The slit width is uniform throughout. In this photograph, the apparent spread in diameter is a function of camera position, perspective, and wide angle lens optical distortion. The laser launch tube is positioned on the south side of the telescope, with the slit and telescope oriented in an easterly direction. When seen in neutral light, the brushed aluminum dome interior is silver in color. However, in this photograph it is tinted saffron by scattered light from the laser system. The far rim of the slit opening as well as part of the dome interior and telescope structure are brightly illuminated by a brilliant moon only hours past full (99% disc illumination). The deep blue moonlit sky is subtly tinted purple by saffron-tinted low pressure sodium street lights in nearby San Jose reflecting on a guazy thin layer of high cirrus clouds.
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Dr. Claire Max, and Dr. Shrikar Srinath (who graciously traded science time for the photo session), as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
15 and 30 seconds @ f/4, 14.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 6983x5304 pixels
Three-frame High Dynamic Range and Panoramic Composite
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.SHOOTING NOTES
Extreme exposure values between Dr. Max in the foreground and the dark background dome necessitated producing the laser portrait as a composite of three exposures. All frames were shot within moments of each other from the same tripod position, with the same lens and lighting. Two successive frames of the telescope and dome background were exposed for 30 seconds each with flash. One view was lower, the other higher. These frames were stitched together in post production to extend the composition vertically to allow for vertical cropping, as well as horizontal. The subject frame was exposed for 15 seconds with the same flash value, lens, and camera position. It was then layered onto the stitched background frame in post production. Corrections and selective retouching were applied to reduce, and in some places eliminate distortion caused by the wide angle lens. Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. The composite is an accurate rendering of what I experienced in the dome that night.
PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Claire Max and Shrinar Srinath, as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Staff Astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH7310_Claire Max 3m Adaptive Optics / Laser Guide Star1280,972Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIA
LH7431 COMET NEOWISE OVER LICK OBSERVATORY
2020 July 8This scene shows comet NEOWISE rising above Lick Observatory shortly before dawn.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Domes left to right are the Automated Planet Finder (APF), the Carnegie Double Astrograph (newly refurbished and housing a PANOSETI experiment, and the Shane 3-meter with open shutters revealing the telescope within. UCLA Astrophysics Professor Tommaso Treu describes his group's program on this evening:
"The observing program is aimed at measuring the mass of supermassive black holes in distant active galaxies, using a technique called 'echo mapping'. The team has been monitoring the galaxies containing the black holes for almost 5 years with the goal of measuring the delay between the emission by the hot gas immediately surrounding the black hole and the 'echo' produced by the same light as it bounces off by hydrogen a few light-months away. The program is a collaboration between the University of California, Seoul National University, and other partners."
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D850
Nikkor 80-400mm zoom f/4.5-5.6
2 seconds @ f5.3
ISO digital equivalent: 1000
Native Resolution: 5504x8256 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
UCLA Astronomy Professor Treu TommasoThe History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
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LH7431_Comet NEOWISE Over Lick Observatory800,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7420_GREAT REFRACTOR MOONRISE PANO
2009 July 6
As the full moon rises over Mount Isabel, the Lick 36" Great Refractor is viewed on Mount Hamilton, from a camera position on the roof of the Lick Observatory Main Building entry foyer.It is challenging to capture the unique ambience inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: "Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope." Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires visiting classes and summer visitors with enchanting views of the heavens..
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
It is challenging to capture the unique ambience inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: "Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope." Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires classes and visitor groups with enchanting views of the heavens.Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2X
Nikkor 10.5mm lens
2 seconds @ f5.0
dual flash used on all exposures, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 125
Native Resolution: 4288x2646 pixels (including black border)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7419_Great Refractor Moonrise Pano1440,698Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7420_GREAT REFRACTOR OBSERVING
2018 June 17
During this 13-second exposure through an 8mm fisheye lens, visitor observing is underway inside the dome of the Lick 36" Great Refractor. The group is seated on the upper mezzanine bench. When it is their turn at the eyepiece, they will circle around the mezzanine to the stairway at center far left. Volunteers and staff are assisting on the floor, describing objects seen through the telescope and answering visitor's questions.
The dome interior is illuminated by red observing lights, which preserve night vision acuity of visitors who have become dark-adapted. The red color is more pronounced and saturated in the camera's 13 seconds time exposure than would appear to the naked eye when one is inside the dome.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
It is challenging to capture the unique ambience inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: "Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope." Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires classes and visitor groups with enchanting views of the heavens.Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 8-15 mm f/3.5-4.5 fisheye
13 seconds @ f3.5
dual flash used on all exposures, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 5000
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels (including black border)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7420_Great Refractor Observing1351,1151Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7423_MERCURY, VENUS, CRESCENT MOON FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
2020 May 23
This San Francisco Bay view was photographed from Lick Observatory on 4,200-foot Mount Hamilton, spanning a distance of 50 miles line-of-sight. Mercury, Venus, and the crescent Moon are gradually descending toward the horizon as the earth rotates relative to these objects. At far distant right, "Sleeping Lady" Mount Tamalpais is a backdrop for San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding Bay Area cities.
Venus is somewhat fuzzy because its light is diffused by clouds. Although it appears circular in the photograph, disc illumination is only 4%. Mercury is 64% illuminated, and the waxing crescent Moon is 2% illuminated. The lunar crescent appears partially distorted due to a relatively long 4 second exposure and differential refraction.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Two vertical format frames with the same camera position and settings were shot within moments of each other, then subsequently stitched together in Photoshop to create this panorama.Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D850
Nikkor 80-400mm zoom f/4.5-5.6
4 seconds @ f5.6
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 9480x8224 pixels (including black border)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIA
LH7420_MERCURY, VENUS, CRESCENT MOON FROM LICK OBSERVATORY: LOCATIONS
2020 May 23This San Francisco Bay view was photographed from Lick Observatory on 4,200-foot Mount Hamilton, spanning a distance of 50 miles line-of-sight. Mercury, Venus, and the crescent Moon are gradually descending toward the horizon as the earth rotates relative to these objects. At far distant right, "Sleeping Lady" Mount Tamalpais is a backdrop for San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding Bay Area cities.
Venus is somewhat fuzzy because its light is diffused by clouds. Although it appears circular in the photograph, disc illumination is only 4%. Mercury is 64% illuminated, and the waxing crescent Moon is 2% illuminated. The lunar crescent appears partially distorted due to a relatively long 4 second exposure and differential refraction.
Two vertical format frames with the same camera position and settings were shot within moments of each other, then subsequently stitched together in Photoshop to create this panorama.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D850
Nikkor 80-400mm zoom f/4.5-5.6
4 seconds @ f5.6
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 9480x8224 pixels (including black border)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
%20Info%20Request%3A%20%232">Email your inquiry / commentLH7423_Mercury, Venus, and Crescent Moon from Lick Observatory1800,1099Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIA
LH7420_MERCURY, VENUS, CRESCENT MOON FROM LICK OBSERVATORY: LOCATIONS
2020 May 23This San Francisco Bay view was photographed from Lick Observatory on 4,200-foot Mount Hamilton, spanning a distance of 50 miles line-of-sight. Mercury, Venus, and the crescent Moon are gradually descending toward the horizon as the earth rotates relative to these objects. At far distant right, "Sleeping Lady" Mount Tamalpais is a backdrop for San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding Bay Area cities.
Venus is somewhat fuzzy because its light is diffused by clouds. Although it appears circular in the photograph, disc illumination is only 4%. Mercury is 64% illuminated, and the waxing crescent Moon is 2% illuminated. The lunar crescent appears partially distorted due to a relatively long 4 second exposure and differential refraction.
Two vertical format frames with the same camera position and settings were shot within moments of each other, then subsequently stitched together in Photoshop to create this panorama.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D850
Nikkor 80-400mm zoom f/4.5-5.6
4 seconds @ f5.6
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 9480x8224 pixels (including black border)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7423_Mercury, Venus, and Crescent Moon from Lick Observatory1440,879Price On Request -
Sky & Telescope Magazine August 2015
Feature Article By Trudy Bell
"In fall 2013, the University of California targeted Lick Observatory for zero funding by 2018. Last fall, that decision was reversed. What happened? And what could other endangered observatories learn from Lick's experience?" (Quoted from Sky & Telescope. The cover is shown here by courtesy of S&T.)
Images which appear in the article can be seen here. Click on "i" underneath each image for information.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH6022 MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT LASER
2008 July 21
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGSMany celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible. The characteristic saffron yellow of Silicon Valley's low pressure sodium lighting illuminates the background.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/2.8
Exposure: 301 seconds
Muti-Frame High Dynamic Range Stacked ImagingPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images. Special thanks go to Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their collaboration in coordinating this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote
Sky & Telescope Magazine Cover Feature :: August 2015570,716Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH6022 MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT LASER
2008 July 21
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGSMany celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible. The characteristic saffron yellow of Silicon Valley's low pressure sodium lighting illuminates the background.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/2.8
Exposure: 301 seconds
Muti-Frame High Dynamic Range Stacked ImagingPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images. Special thanks go to Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their collaboration in coordinating this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH6022_Mount Hamilton Summit Laser638,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7304 LASER GUIDE STAR_ShARCS
2014 September 10
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS •ShARCSThis image was photographed at Lick Observatory on 2014 September 10, 23:36 PDT, in the Shane 3m dome. UC Santa Cruz Astronomer Angie Wolfgang (http://www.ucolick.org/~wolfgang/) was observing remotely from Santa Cruz. She and fellow UCSC Astronomer Rosalie McGurk contribute the following description:
"What do lasers, telescopes, and extrasolar planets have in common? Astronomers at Lick Observatory, the world's first permanent mountain-top facility dedicated to studying the cosmos, are using a brand-new camera called ShARCS (Shane Adaptive Red Camera and Spectrometer) to observe stars that are known to host planets. These planets, discovered by NASA's Kepler Mission, have shattered astronomers' expectations for what other planetary systems should be like, as it has found a large number of planets much closer to their stars than Mercury is to our Sun. It is a challenge to explain how these planetary systems could have formed based only on our understanding of our Solar System's birth. Nevertheless, astronomers have good reason to suspect that distant massive bodies slowly revolving around these planet host stars could cause the orbits of the closer-in planets to change. If these distant bodies are other stars, then they can be detected with images that have very high spatial resolution. Unfortunately, the turbulence in Earth's atmosphere blurs images, decreasing our ability to distinguish a star and any nearby companions. The laser shown above is used to carefully measure this turbulence, by exciting high-altitude atoms in Earth's atmosphere to create an artificial star. This measurement is obtained and analyzed by the adaptive optics instrument designed with ShARCS and allows us to correct for the atmospheric blurring. Therefore, with the help of the laser, we can resolve these double-star systems in our astronomical images, helping us understand how these planets came to be the way they are."
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
SCALE
Diameter of laser beam: 25 centimeters (~ 9.8 inches)
Diameter of top ring of telescope: 3.6 meters (~ 11.8 feet)
Width of dome opening ("slit"): 6.7 meters (~ 22 feet)NOTES
The width of the dome slit, or opening, is uniform throughout. In this photograph, the apparent spread in diameter is a function of camera position, perspective, and wide angle lens optical distortion. The laser launch tube is positioned on the south side of the telescope, with the slit and telescope oriented in a westerly direction. When seen in neutral light, the brushed aluminum dome interior is silver in color. However, in this photograph it is tinted saffron by scattered light from the laser system. The blue sky gradient is a function of the moon's position.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
30 seconds @ f/2.8, 24.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Angie Wolfgang and Rosalie McGurk, as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Staff Astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH7304_Laser Guide Star_ShARCS1280,854Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7371 LICK OBSERVATORY SUPERMOON ECLIPSE
2015 September 27
9:18:03 PM PDT
The camera is perched on a rocky outcrop below Lick Observatory's Main Building parapet, on the summit of Mount Hamilton. The rare 'super blood moon' has emerged from the totality stage of a lunar eclipse. A fraction of the disc remains in reddish-brown umbral shadow, and the seemingly bright region is still partially dimmed by earth's penumbral shadow. In the foreground at left, several visitors stand in silhouette near the Nickel 40" Reflector dome. Other guests are observing inside the 36" Great Lick Refractor dome on the right. The 36" dome slit is open toward the south, where sky visibility is less obscured. (Although Lick Observatory is not open to the general public at night, special visitor programs, student tours, and other evening events are frequently hosted by prior arrangement.)
Two hours earlier, thick clouds concealed the moon in totality as it ascended above the horizon, disappointing thousands of Silicon Valley sky watchers! However, a proverbial 'silver lining' in the clouds, or in this case a very colorful one, is rewarding patient viewers. As the sky begins to clear, increasingly bright moonlight is refracted and reflected by high altitude icy clouds, creating a spectacular jewel-tone lunar halo. (Delicate yet intense halo colors have not been digitally enhanced or artificially saturated in post processing. Great care has been taken to convey colors precisely as they were observed and photographed.)
Two brief exposures of the moon (1/500 sec) and shadow (1/60 sec) are composited with a landscape-sky frame (1 sec) to more accurately convey details observed in the moment of capture. In the landscape frame, subtle lunar features and muted umbral shadow did not survive the longer exposure. Otherwise, only minimal processing has been applied to the image.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
This image is a composite of three exposures shot within moments of each other. Two exposures were blended to generate the moon: A 1/60 second frame for the dark umbral shadow on the moon, and a 1/500 second frame for the brighter portion of the disc. Landscape, clouds, and sky were exposed in a 1 second frame.
Landscape and sky:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
1 second @ f4.5
ISO: 800Umbral Moon Shadow (dark):
Nikon D810
Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
1/60 second @ f5/0
ISO: 800Penumbral Moon Shadow (bright):
Nikon D810
Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
1/500 second @ f5/0
ISO: 800Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
2015 Sep 27-28 Lunar Eclipse Animation (time of photograph 9:18:03 PM PDT)
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7371_Lick Observatory Supermoon Eclipse1280,854Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH3988 REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION: MOON, VENUS, JUPITER
2008 December 1
In this western view from the Main Building roof, a spectacular conjunction, or clustering of celestial objects, brightens the darkening sky over Silicon Valley. Our neighboring planet Venus is centered between Jupiter on the right, and a four-day-old waxing crescent moon (16% illumination) on the left. The dark area of the moon is subtly illuminated by sunlight reflecting off the earth toward the moon; this effect is called “earthshine”. When visible, Venus is the brightest object in the twilight sky other than the moon. Similar conjunctions occur several times a year – the vigilant sky watcher will be rewarded with breathtaking celestial performances.
HDR IMAGING (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging
Because the human eye is an extraordinarily capable detector, I could simultaneously see the extremely bright moon, planets, Main Building exterior, dome interior, sky, and landscape. However, the digital camera was unable to accurately detect this broad range of exposure values in a single frame. In order to compensate for this deficiency, several frames were shot only moments apart. One brief exposure was made of the exceedingly luminous celestial objects. Longer exposures recorded the Main Building exterior, dome interior, and landscape. All frames were digitally blended in Photoshop using High Dynamic Range Imaging. The finished image faithfully transmits what I witnessed, and overcomes limitations of camera capture.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens @ f/5.6
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: several exposures ranging from 1/125 to 30 seconds
High Dynamic Range Stacked ImagingPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
BEGIN WebSTAT Activation Code -->LH3988_Refractor Conjunction960,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7321_REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION
2015 June 29
Conjunction of Jupiter (upper left) and Venus (lower right)
With my sincere thank you to Lick Observatory staff for their invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph, special thanks go to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rod Norden, and Keith Wandry. We had fun! An unusual and unexpected juxtaposition of green dome and red telescope occurred when the telescope operator was standing out of view at the top of the pier opposite the camera, checking his cell phone. The dome was brightened to reveal its normal green color by the neutral ambient phone light. Red areas on the telescope and camera-side of the pier which were out of the phone's neutralizing range reflected the characteristic cherry-colored tint cast by red observing lamps in the dome.
Purple sky: Sometimes the early evening / late sunset sky on Mount Hamilton is a lovely purplish-blue, and this was one of those nights. The sky and cloud colors in this photograph have not been artificially tinted or enhanced in post processing -- it really looked like this!
The following description and comments are contributed by Rem Stone, retired UC Research Astronomer:"Lick Observatory's Great 36-inch Refractor was the most powerful telescope in the world when it saw first light in 1888. The long 57-foot focal length (focal ratio f19.3) was intended to make it especially suitable for visual observations of planets, a primary occupation of astronomers of the period. In 1892, E.E. Barnard used this telescope to discover Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter. This was the first such discovery since Galileo observed the first four moons nearly 300 years earlier, and was the last moon discovered with the otherwise unaided eye. This impressive instrument is now used for public viewing and educational programs.
"In the gap below the telescope and adjacent to the polar axle, note the conjunction of our two brightest planets: Venus, and Jupiter just above and to the left. Although of course still far apart in space, they appear apparently closer together along the line of sight in the sky than the diameter of the moon. Such events are not uncommon, although this occasion was particularly memorable in the early evening sky. With such bright objects in a bright sky, there would have been no reason not to have the dome lights on as shown here, even during actual observing.
"With such a spectacular machine, it's fun to be able to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unable to observe the conjunction with the telescope. When the very long telescope is pointed low in the sky as it is in this photograph, access to the eyepiece would be gained by raising the movable dome floor 17 feet to the height of the railed ring seen circling the dome, and movable stairs would have been required to reach the eyepiece. At present, the floor awaits engineering evaluation of the aging mechanical components before it can be returned to normal use. This is a wonderful educational and public outreach tool, and we hope it will be returned to full functionality soon!"
"Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Single Frame
Nikon D810
Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom
8 seconds @ f4.5
ISO: 560
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
National Geographic_Venus Jupiter Conjunction 2015 June 30
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry, as well as University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7321_Refractor Conjunction_2015 June 291280,854Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7301_FRANK DRAKE NICKEL OSETI
OSETI: OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2011 July 28
Astronomer Frank Drake arrives for a night of observing with his collaborators at the Nickel 40" Reflector at Lick Observatory. Protruding from the bottom of the telescope is a rectangular instrument designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This instrument was replaced in March 2015 by the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which was designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x, Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0 wide angle zoomlens
Digital ISO equivalent: 200 / f/4.0
Exposure: .5 second
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
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LH7301_Frank Drake Nickel OSETI1744,1200Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
2006 July 15
PLANET HUNTER
DR. DEBRA FISCHER WRITES:"This spectrum shows dark absorption lines which appear because atoms in the atmosphere of the star absorb specific wavelengths of starlight. The presence of these lines reveals the chemical makeup of the star. By measuring subpixel shifts in the positions of these lines with respect to the grid of iodine lines, astronomers can measure the velocity of a star with a precision of one meter per second (or about two miles per hour)."
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/6.3
Exposure: 1 secondCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
LINKS:
Exoplanets / Yale Astronomy
University of California Observatories ~ UCO
Lick Observatory ~ Mount Hamilton
____________________________________________________________________________LH2137_Debra Fischer Cell Spectrum1024,680Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
2007 June 15
AUTOMATED PLANET FINDER TELESCOPE
UCO/Lick Chief Optician Dave Hilyard inspects and cleans optics which are used in the APF Spectrograph.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/3.7
Exposure: 2 secondsMulti-frame digital composite with selective retouching
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
The photographer thanks APF and UCO/Lick staff for their invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
LINKS:
University of California Observatories ~ UCO
Lick Observatory ~ Mount Hamilton
____________________________________________________________________________LH2147_Dave Hilyard Colores_APF Optics1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
Shane 3-meter Reflector
2006 August 9
ABOUT THE IODINE CELL:
Developed by Geoff Marcy and Paul Butler in collaboration with Steve Vogt, the iodine cell is a sealed glass tube filled with iodine gas, positioned in the telescope light path. It is similar in shape and size to a soda can, and is wrapped in blue insulating foam and silver foil (and of course, duct tape!). Heating wires maintain an internal temperature of 122° F.
GEOFF MARCY CONTINUES:
" White starlight enters the iodine cell, but emerges with thousands of specific colors (wavelengths) removed, absorbed by the iodine molecules. These thousands of discreet shades are removed predominantly from the green light, leaving the red and blue to pass through relatively unscathed. Thus the lower part of the beam, emerging from the iodine cell, appears slightly pink in color. The iodine absorption now superimposed on the incoming starlight sets the wavelength scale for the stellar spectrum, like tick marks on a ruler, allowing the Doppler shift to be measured with a precision of one meter per second."
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATION:
This is a photo-illustration composite. An actual photograph of the iodine cell is overlaid with a digital illustration (generated in Photoshop) depicting a conical beam of starlight beam which enters the photograph at the upper right corner on its way from the telescope. The gradually narrowing beam passes through the iodine cell, then comes to a focus on the mirrored aperture plate. Most of the beam—now rendered pink/violet by its passage through the iodine gas—continues through the aperture plate into the spectrograph, but a small fraction is reflected diagonally up to a mirror on the right where it used to guide the telescope.
IN MORE DETAIL:
The slowly converging white starlight beam enters the cell from above and emerges, somewhat pink in color, as it comes to a focus on the aperture plate. The majority of the light passes through one of a number of small apertures on the highly polished plate and continues its journey (unseen here) to the Hamilton Spectrograph, which is located in a large room behind this wall. The remaining fraction of light that does not enter the aperture is used to guide the giant telescope above. This diminished and subdued pink beam is then reflected at the focal point by the slightly tilted aperture plate mirror. It begins to diverge as it bounces diagonally up toward a square black-backed mirror tangent to the cell lip on the right. Although out of view in this image, the beam then passes horizontally to the right through a filter wheel and is refocused by a telescope guide camera. This camera automatically guides the telescope to keep the starlight centered upon the spectrograph aperture.
When astronomers are observing a star, the "slit room" is completely dark and the starlight beam is invisible. (Like laser pointers, the star beam can only be seen when it is reflected by particulates in the air, such as smoke, fog, or steam.) If the iodine cell, surrounding optics, and starlight beam were visible to the human eye during routine observing, this is how they would appear. This scientifically accurate light path illustration is based on experimental test photographs made on 2006 August 9 and 13 with the telescope pointed at the bright star Vega. It was subsequently determined that generating an actual Vega light beam photograph suitable for publication is not possible due to technical limitations. However, sufficient information was derived from the test photographs and from visual assessment to create an overlay illustration that precisely describes the shape, density, color, and position of the actual light beam traveling through the cell.
Because this image depicts highly refined optical components and delicate starlight, only white light was used to illuminate the cell interior during the photographic exposure. No false or incorrect light colors have been artificially introduced which might mislead or generate confusion for the lay viewer who may be unfamiliar with the natural colors of focused star light as it enters and emerges from the cell. It is the objective of the photographer to remain as faithful to scientific accuracy as possible and to still produce a visual representation of an otherwise dark and invisible subject.
This photo illustration is available with or without the starlight beam and hand size reference. It has been cropped from a slightly larger field of view, which is also available on request.The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory astronomers and staff for their invaluable guidance, collaboration, and contributions to the production of this image series.
Special thanks are extended to Professor Debra Fischer on whose telescope program nights the photographic experiments and sessions were performed. The success of this endeavor was in large part a function of Debra's generous and thoughtful input and participation.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
LINKS:
California and Carnegie Planet Search ~ CCPS
University of California Observatories ~ UCO
Lick Observatory ~ Mount Hamilton
WebElements.com ~ Iodine____________________________________________________________________________
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!LH2162_Iodine Cell_2Starlight_Composite691,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH2252_APF Steve Vogt
2009 May 29
Principle Investigator Steve Vogt stands near the 2.4-meter primary mirror in the dome of the Automated Planet Finder Telescope at Lick Observatory. APF is fully robotic and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph (designed by Vogt) optimized for precision Doppler measurements, and will enable off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens
ISO digital: 125 / f/3.5
Exposure: 1/30 second
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Vogt, and University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2152_APF_Steve Vogt1024,688Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH2251_APF Dome Interior
2009 May 29
The camera is positioned near the 2.4-meter primary mirror in the dome of the Automated Planet Finder Telescope at Lick Observatory. At upper right is the secondary mirror. APF is fully robotic, and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph (designed by Steve Vogt) optimized for precision Doppler measurements. This is enabling off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood. Curvature distortion in this image is a function of the 180° fisheye lens.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 10.5 mm DX f/2.8 fisheye lens
ISO digital: 125 / f/3.5
Exposure: 1/30 second
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. Figures in the far lower background were digitally removed to eliminate distraction.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to APF astronomers, and University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2151_APF-Dome Interior1024,680Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2008 December 17
The newly constructed 2.4-meter APF is framed by a snowy vista with the Lick Observatory Main Building seen in the distance. Fully robotic and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph optimized for precision Doppler measurements, it will enable off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12.0-24.0 mm f/40. wide-angle zoom lens
ISO digital: 125 / f/14
Exposure: 1/640 secondA digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to restore wide angle distortion to a rectillinear view.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Automated Planet Finder Telescope
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!
CLOSE XLH2153_APF Snow Vista West1024,640Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2007 June 16
The newly constructed 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder dome is seen in this view looking west toward the Main Building at sunset. Venus appears bright in the sky just left of the dome. Fully robotic and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph optimized for precision Doppler measurements, the APF telescope will enable off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 10.5 f/2.8 fisheye lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/5.6
Exposure: 30 secondsA digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to restore fisheye distortion to a rectillinear view.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Automated Planet Finder Telescope
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!LH2150_APF Venus Sunset1024,819Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2006 August 29
AUTOMATED PLANET FINDER TELESCOPE
This is the Automated Pumpkin Facility, on the shores of Mt. Hamilton's Blue Lagoon. Design concept by Steve Vogt with assistance from Remington Stone and Laurie Hatch. Vogt is in left vent window, Stone is in right vent window. Photo by Vogt and Hatch; composite image processing by Hatch.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/11.0
Exposure: 15 secondsCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests. This image is also property of Seve Vogt.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The photographer thanks APF and UCO/Lick staff for their invaluable assistance in producing this photograph
LH2140_APF Alter Ego Composite665,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7308 KAIT and CAL
2014 April 19
The Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT) is flanked by enthusiastic students from Professor Alex Filippenko's Astronomy classes at UC Berkeley. (Note that many Cal Bears students are waving with curled-finger 'bear claw paws'!) Painted in Cal's bold blue and gold, KAIT is one of the world’s most successful detectors of supernovae (exploding stars) in relatively nearby galaxies, having discovered about 1000 of them. It has also observed novae, variable stars, comets, active galaxies, and the early afterglow of elusive gamma-ray bursts. With a mirror 76 centimeters in diameter, this modest but highly efficient reflector is fully robotic, and the data are examined remotely from Berkeley by astronomers and student researchers. As evening approaches, automatic sensors outside KAIT’s dome determine wind and humidity levels, and open the dome slit if conditions are favorable. KAIT begins a programmed scan of the heavens, and identifies supernova candidates that the astronomers subsequently examine more closely. These data and other Lick observations have contributed to the unexpected discovery and confirmation that the expansion of our universe is currently accelerating, propelled by a mysterious “dark energy.”
http://astron.berkeley.edu/~bait/kait.html
http://www.ucolick.org/public/telescopes/kait.html
http://mthamilton.ucolick.orgSincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/15 second @ f/7.1
ISO digital equivalent: 2000
Native Resolution: 5406x4122 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7308_KAIT and CAL1024,781Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7307_CAL STUDENTS HONOR JAMES LICK
2014 April 19
Astronomy Professor Alex Filippenko (far right) and his students from the University of California, Berkeley pay their respects to James Lick. The tomb is underneath the Lick 36" Refractor observing floor, at the base of the telescope support pier. “I intend to rot like a gentleman!” Lick stated unequivocally when asked if he wished his remains to be cremated before interment in the foundation of his Great Refractor. He died quietly on October 1, 1876, after suffering a debilitating stroke three years before. He was temporarily buried at San Francisco’s Masonic Cemetery after a grand funeral parade “fit for a king” that was attended by many thousands. Over a decade later, on January 8, 1887, his body was transferred to Mt. Hamilton. Lick trustees and staff opened the coffin lid to verify that it was indeed Mr. Lick’s corpse sheltered within. Without the fanfare of his first funeral, the body of James Lick was then sealed into his unique tomb. This modest plaque identifies the Great Refractor’s dual function. For a comprehensive history of the Observatory, see the superb text "Eye on the Sky" by Osterbrock et al.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/10 second @ f/2.8
ISO digital equivalent: 1250
Native Resolution: 6359x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7307_Cal Students Honor James Lick1024,791Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7361_LICK OBSERVATORY NIROSETI TEAM AND FRIENDS
2016 June 16
From left to right at the 1 meter Nickel Reflector: Friends of NIROSETI Gary Jaffe, Bill Bloomfield, and Susan Bloomfield. To the right of the NIROSETI instrument are team members Shelley Wright, Jérome Maire, Frank Drake, and Remington Stone. Also on the team but not shown are Dan Wertheimer, Richard Treffers, and Andrew Siemion. The NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths..
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
Multi frame High Dynamic Range Stacked Composite:
1/50 second @ f/8
dual flash used on all exposures, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 640
Native Resolution: 4426x6759 pixels
Wide angle lens distortion corrections were manually applied.
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7361_Lick Observatory NIROSETI Team And Friends683,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7360_LICK OBSERVATORY NIROSETI CONJUNCTION
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 October 26 Early Morning
This early morning view through the dome slit of the Anna B. Nickel 40" Reflector shows a conjunction of three planets framing the telescope top ring: Mars at lower left, Venus (brightest) above and right, and Jupiter above and left of Venus. Red observing lights tint the dome interior. The Nickel is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12" Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger field of view. At right in the foreground, the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is attached to the bottom of the round black tub. This innovative device is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Two HDR Frames:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
ISO 200
10 sec @ f/7.1
5 sec @ f/11
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. This is a composited High Definition Range exposure stack of two consecutive frames (one lighter, one darker) shot with the same camera, lens, and tripod position. Because the center areas of imagery recorded with the 14-24mm lens typically tend to be unnaturally compressed and reduced in size, while perimeter areas are elongated and stretched, the central upper ring of the telescope and surrounding sky (including planets) and slit edges were moderately adjusted and expanded with the Photoshop Liquefy command to more correctly represent the overall relative shape of the telescope and slit structure. The planets were then readjusted for roundness. Their relative positions to each other and in the sky have been accurately maintained. A digital diffusion filter technique was applied to the planets to slightly expand and soften their glow, and to fine-tune color grading. All adjustments were made in order to overcome limitations in range of exposure and distorted optics, and to more accurately convey what I viewed in the moment of capture. (www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/articles/astrophotography/diffusion-filter-overlay-with-photoshop-r126).COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7360_Lick Observatory NIROSETI Conjunction1440,1080Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7360vc_LICK OBSERVATORY NIROSETI CONJUNCTION
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 October 26 Early Morning
This early morning view through the dome slit of the Anna B. Nickel 40" Reflector shows a conjunction of three planets framing the telescope top ring: Mars at lower left, Venus (brightest) above and right, and Jupiter above and left of Venus. Red observing lights tint the dome interior. The Nickel is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12" Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger field of view. At right in the foreground, the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is attached to the bottom of the round black tub. This innovative device is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Two HDR Frames:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
ISO 200
10 sec @ f/7.1
5 sec @ f/11
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. This is a composited High Definition Range exposure stack of two consecutive frames (one lighter, one darker) shot with the same camera, lens, and tripod position. Because the center areas of imagery recorded with the 14-24mm lens typically tend to be unnaturally compressed and reduced in size, while perimeter areas are elongated and stretched, the central upper ring of the telescope and surrounding sky (including planets) and slit edges were moderately adjusted and expanded with the Photoshop Liquefy command to more correctly represent the overall relative shape of the telescope and slit structure. The planets were then readjusted for roundness. Their relative positions to each other and in the sky have been accurately maintained. A digital diffusion filter technique was applied to the planets to slightly expand and soften their glow, and to fine-tune color grading. All adjustments were made in order to overcome limitations in range of exposure and distorted optics, and to more accurately convey what I viewed in the moment of capture. (www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/articles/astrophotography/diffusion-filter-overlay-with-photoshop-r126).COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7360vc Lick Observatory NIROSETI Conjunction640,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7360s_LICK OBSERVATORY NIROSETI CONJUNCTION
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 October 26 Early Morning
This early morning view through the dome slit of the Anna B. Nickel 40" Reflector shows a conjunction of three planets framing the telescope top ring: Mars at lower left, Venus (brightest) above and right, and Jupiter above and left of Venus. Red observing lights tint the dome interior. The Nickel is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12" Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger field of view. At right in the foreground, the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is attached to the bottom of the round black tub. This innovative device is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Two HDR Frames:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
ISO 200
10 sec @ f/7.1
5 sec @ f/11
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. This is a composited High Definition Range exposure stack of two consecutive frames (one lighter, one darker) shot with the same camera, lens, and tripod position. Because the center areas of imagery recorded with the 14-24mm lens typically tend to be unnaturally compressed and reduced in size, while perimeter areas are elongated and stretched, the central upper ring of the telescope and surrounding sky (including planets) and slit edges were moderately adjusted and expanded with the Photoshop Liquefy command to more correctly represent the overall relative shape of the telescope and slit structure. The planets were then readjusted for roundness. Their relative positions to each other and in the sky have been accurately maintained. A digital diffusion filter technique was applied to the planets to slightly expand and soften their glow, and to fine-tune color grading. All adjustments were made in order to overcome limitations in range of exposure and distorted optics, and to more accurately convey what I viewed in the moment of capture. (www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/articles/astrophotography/diffusion-filter-overlay-with-photoshop-r126).COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7360s Lick Observatory NIROSETI Conjunction960,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7360p_LICK OBSERVATORY NIROSETI CONJUNCTION
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 October 26 Early Morning
This early morning view through the dome slit of the Anna B. Nickel 40" Reflector shows a conjunction of three planets framing the telescope top ring: Mars at lower left, Venus (brightest) above and right, and Jupiter above and left of Venus. Red observing lights tint the dome interior. The Nickel is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12" Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger field of view. At right in the foreground, the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is attached to the bottom of the round black tub. This innovative device is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Two HDR Frames:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
ISO 200
10 sec @ f/7.1
5 sec @ f/11
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. This is a composited High Definition Range exposure stack of two consecutive frames (one lighter, one darker) shot with the same camera, lens, and tripod position. Because the center areas of imagery recorded with the 14-24mm lens typically tend to be unnaturally compressed and reduced in size, while perimeter areas are elongated and stretched, the central upper ring of the telescope and surrounding sky (including planets) and slit edges were moderately adjusted and expanded with the Photoshop Liquefy command to more correctly represent the overall relative shape of the telescope and slit structure. The planets were then readjusted for roundness. Their relative positions to each other and in the sky have been accurately maintained. A digital diffusion filter technique was applied to the planets to slightly expand and soften their glow, and to fine-tune color grading. All adjustments were made in order to overcome limitations in range of exposure and distorted optics, and to more accurately convey what I viewed in the moment of capture. (www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/articles/astrophotography/diffusion-filter-overlay-with-photoshop-r126).COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7360p Lick Observatory NIROSETI Conjunction1024,379Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7317_3m-LASER GUIDE STAR_SLOANE W
2014 March 16
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS •ShARCSThis view shows instrumentation at the lower end of the Shane 3m telescope while the Adaptive Optics Laser Guide star is propagating. UCSC Astronomer Sloane Wiktorowicz is observing in the adajent 3m control room.
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
SCALE
Diameter of laser beam: 25 centimeters (~ 9.8 inches)
Diameter of top ring of telescope: 3.6 meters (~ 11.8 feet)
Width of dome opening ("slit"): 6.7 meters (~ 22 feet)NOTES
The slit width is uniform throughout. In this photograph, the apparent spread in diameter and vertical distortion are a function of camera position, perspective, and wide angle lens optical distortion. The laser launch tube is positioned on the upper (south) side of the telescope. In neutral light, the brushed aluminum dome interior is silver in color, as seen in lower center where the dome skin is brightly illuminated by the light of a full moon. The dome interior closest to the laser is tinted saffron by scattered light.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
30 seconds @ f/2.8, 24.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 800
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomer Sloane Wiktorowicz for granting access to the dome during observations. Special thanks go to Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH7317_3m-Laser Guide Star_Sloane W772,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7316 MAIN BUILDING FULL MOON HALO
2014 April 14
Lights from a passing car paint the Lick Observatory Main Building as the full moon rises over the roofline. A gauzy layer of cirrus clouds softens the glow of the moon's distinctive 22 degree halo, which also encircles the planet Mars, just above the moon. About half an hour into the partial eclipse stage of a total lunar eclipse, the moon is still is bright enough to illuminate the deep blue sky.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800
Nikkor 14.0-24.0 mm f/2.8
30 seconds @ f/4
ISO digital equivalent: 200
Native Resolution: 7360x4780 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7316_Main Building Full Moon Halo1280,831 -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4031 SAN FRANCISCO BAY SMOKY SUNSET PANORAMA
2008 June 13
20:16:05 PM PDT
The setting sun is briliantly reflected in the salt ponds on South San Francisco Bay in this westerly telephoto view from Mt. Hamilton. Thick smoke from a regional forest fire dramatically reddens sky and sun.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2X
Nikkor 200-400 f/4.0 telephoto zoom lens
ISO digital: 125 / f/7.1
Exposure: 1/30 second
Native Resolution: 4800x6000px
Two Frame Panoramic Composite
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
BEGIN WebSTAT Activation Code -->LH4031_San Francisco Bay Smoky Sunset Panorama768,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0036 RED SNOW SUNSET
2001 February 13
Sunsets are often memorable on the summit, but this frozen landscape seems surreal. In a stunning finale to a fierce winter storm, apparent serenity belies reality as howling winds hurtle sun-reddened mists across Silicon Valley. Thirty inches of snow have fallen, and the telescope domes are immobilized by encrusted ice that will not begin to thaw until the following day. View is looking west toward the Santa Cruz Mountains from Copernicus Peak, the highest point in the Diablo Range..
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Contax 645
45mm f/2.8 lens
Kodak 160VC Color Negative film
Exposure: 6 seconds @ f/8PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0036_Red Snow Sunset1024,731Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7406c LICK OBSERVATORY PRE-SOLSTICE FULL MOONRISE
2016 June 19
08:53:12 PM PDT
In the evening preceding Summer Solstice, the full moon ascends behind Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton. Line of sight distance is two miles. This full moon will achieve its maximum illumination about seven hours later, on Solstice morning June 20 PDT. (See LH7407, the full moon setting behind Lick Observatory.)
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Landscape and sky:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 200-400 mm f/4.0 zoom
1/4 second @ f6.3
ISO: 200Moon (same session, camera, lens, and tripod position):
Nikon D810
Nikkor 200-400 mm f/4.0 zoom
1/100 second @ f6.3
ISO: 200Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
2015 Sep 27-28 Lunar Eclipse Animation (time of photograph 9:18:03 PM PDT)
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7406c_Pre-Solstice Lick Observatory Full Moonrise1440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7406 LICK OBSERVATORY PRE-SOLSTICE FULL MOONRISE
2016 June 19
08:53:12 PM PDT
In the evening preceding Summer Solstice, the full moon ascends behind Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton. Line of sight distance is two miles. This full moon will achieve its maximum illumination about seven hours later, on Solstice morning June 20 PDT. (See LH7407, the full moon setting behind Lick Observatory.)
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Landscape and sky:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 200-400 mm f/4.0 zoom
1/4 second @ f6.3
ISO: 200Moon (same session, camera, lens, and tripod position):
Nikon D810
Nikkor 200-400 mm f/4.0 zoom
1/100 second @ f6.3
ISO: 200Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
2015 Sep 27-28 Lunar Eclipse Animation (time of photograph 9:18:03 PM PDT)
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7406w_Pre-Solstice Lick Observatory Full Moonrise1440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH2255 MOUNT HAMILTON DAWN MOONSET
2008 March 22
The first light of dawn arrives on Mt. Hamilton in this view from Kepler Peak looking west, adjacent to the dome of the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope on the left. All domes on the summit have closed and astronomers and night techinicians are headed to their bunks for a long day's sleep. The top of the large Shane 3-meter Reflector dome at mid right issues a glowing confirmation that the sun has just crested the eastern horizon behind the camera. In the mid background, the Main Building houses the 36" Great Lick Refractor (dome at left) and the 40" Nickel Reflector (dome partially hidden behind the 3m, right). Slightly closer to the camera at mid background left is the small silver dome of the Tauchmann 22" Reflector. At mid right is the Automated Planet Finder, partially obscured by the Carnegie Double Astrograph dome. The descending full moon will soon disappear behind the Santa Cruz Mountains as sky brightens into daylight. Although reflectivity of the lunar surface is similar to that of black velvet, sunlight bounced from its dusty skin is remarkably intense, inspiring many ancient cultures to incorrectly assume that the moon was somehow ignited from within.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 125 @ f/10
Exposure: 1/6 second
Multiframe Digitally Composited PanoramaPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2255_Mt. Hamilton Dawn Moonset1024,941Price On Request -
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APOD 2016 JUNE 23
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
SUMMER SOLSTICE
2016 JUNE 20LH7407 LICK OBSERVATORY SOLSTICE DAWN FULL MOONSET
APOD: Astronomy Picture of the Day :: 2016 June 23
2016 June 20
05:48:05 AM PDTSummer Solstice: The full moon descends behind Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton at sunrise. The Belt of Venus is exceptionally vibrant on this morning due to particulates in the atmosphere. The camera is positioned on Copernicus Peak (4365 feet, 1330 meters) looking west. The shadow of the peak is preventing the sun's rays from brightening the nearby domes of the Shane 3-meter Telescope and Main Building's Great Refractor and Nickel Reflector. However, the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope at far left is illuminated by dawn's first light. Note Mount Hamilton's subtle triangular shadow rising above the Santa Cruz Mountains in the background, slightly above the horizon to the right of center.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Landscape and sky:
Nikon D810
Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom
1/50 second @ f10
ISO: 160Moon (same session, camera, lens, and tripod position):
Nikon D810
Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom
1/100 second @ f10
ISO: 160Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Thank you to APOD authors & editors Robert Nemiroff (MTU) and Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) for featuring this image! Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these photographs.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7407_Lick Observatory Solstice Dawn Moonset1440,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH02250 MAIN BUILDING MOONSET
2007 July 30
The first light of dawn arrives on Mt. Hamilton in this view looking west from Copernicus Peak, high above the fog-shrouded balley below. Telescope domes have closed and astronomers and night techinicians are headed to their bunks for a long day's sleep. The Main Building issues a glowing confirmation that the sun has just crested the eastern horizon behind the camera. The descending full moon will soon disapperar behind the Santa Cruz Moiuntains as sky brightens into daylight. Although reflectivity of the lunar surface is similar to that of black velvet, sunlight bounced from its dusty skin is remarkably intense, inspiring many ancient cultures to incorrectly assume that the moon was somehow ignited from within.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/5.6
Exposure: 1/200 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2250_Main Building Moonset638,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4025 LICK OBSERVATORY SNOW SUNSET
2008 December 17
Although winter has not officially begun, snow on Mt. Hamilton signals its imminent arrival. The setting sun casts its last rays on the Lick Observatory Main Building before dipping behind the Santa Cruz Mountains. At far left is the Crossley Reflector; the largest dome houses the Shane 3-meter. If the dome shutters are not frozen in place, and atmospheric humidity not too high, observing will begin shortly.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200mm zoom f/3.5-5.6
f/18
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: 1/15 sec
Native Resolution: 4288x2848 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4025_Lick Observatory Snow Sunset1280,850Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0250 LICK O'LANTERN
2005 September 19
Reminiscent of a gargantuan Halloween pumpkin, this "Lick O’Lantern" was photographed two nights after the full Harvest Moon. Disk illumination of this waning gibbous moon is 94%, with shadows of craters visible on the upper right edge, or 'limb'. The summit of Mt. Hamilton is seen through an 8” reflector telescope from a location 15.7 miles away in San José, on a compass bearing of 79°. The open dome slit of the Lick 36” Refractor and windows of the Main Building are brightly lit — an uncommon sight after dark. Also seen in silhouette against the lower left limb of the moon is the round dome of the Shane 3-meter Reflector.
Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and coordinates from which to view this alignment. The moon rises in a different but predictable place every day.HDR COMPOSITE IMAGING (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging
This photo was challenging to process -- it almost didn't see the light of day (pun intended)! There were many faults in the original capture, but I was determined to try to bring the image to fruition. For starters: although I could simultaneously see both the extremely bright moon and relatively 'darker' Main Building lights when looking through the telescope, the digital camera could not accurately detect this broad range of exposure values in a single frame. In order to compensate, several frames were shot moments apart. One brief exposure was made of the moon rising behind the summit silhouette. Much longer exposures specifically recorded the Main Building lights. The latter frames were then digitally blended with the master moon/summit frame in Photoshop. Substantial corrections were also made to reduce severe CCD underexposure and other digital noise, pronounced chromatic aberration, and glare from surrounding city lights (I was not aware of the glare, but the camera's longer exposure detected it). Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output. The finished image faithfully transmits what I witnessed looking through the camera and telescope, and overcomes the significant limitations of the original camera capture.
Some people who do not know the provenance of this photograph assume that a photograph of the moon has been "Photoshopped" behind a separate image of the Main Building and Mt. Hamilton summit silhouette — that the entire image is contrived and composited on the computer. While one could certainly do that, it personally holds no appeal as there would be no particular challenge (although it would require more Photoshop skill to do well than one might think). Of far greater satisfaction and reward are mastering the skills required to precisely calculate coordinates and photograph the moon as it rises, like an immense but benign juggernaut, behind the Mt. Hamilton summit. It is thrilling to witness this event, and it is hoped that the photograph inspires the wonder experienced in the moment.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Soft focus is due to atmospheric distortion (10.5 air masses)
Compass Bearing: 79°
Nikon D2x
Meade 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Reflector Telescope
Celestron f/6.3 Field Flattener
Bright moon and Mt. Hamilton summit:
1/15 second
ISO Digital: 100
Exposure bias: -1Main Building lights:
6 seconds
ISO Digita: 100
Exposure bias: -1
High Dynamic Range Composite Imaging, see COMPOSITE notes above for detailed explanation.
Also, see TECHNIQUE & ETHICS discussion on my website.PUBLICATIONS
2009 October Cover Le Scienze (Italian edition of Scientific American)
Article: http://www.lescienze.it/news/2009/10/27/news/l_universo-573014/
This image appears courtesy of Le Scienze:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0250 Lick O'Lantern1024,682Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0004 SNOW VISTA
2001 February 11
Over 30 inches of ice-crusted snow coat the landscape like thick sugar frosting, a confectioner’s fantasy. The Shane 120” dome glistens in late afternoon sunlight as storm clouds diffuse. Some snow is expected during cooler months, but this abundance is rare. The Carnegie Astrograph dome is camouflaged on the right by snow-laden trees; a silver water tank is partially visible behind. In the foreground, one might imagine peppermint sticks and gumdrops embellishing the snow-clad employee residence. View is from the Main Building looking east.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 70-210mm f/4.5 zoom lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film
Exposure: unrecorded
Tango Drum Scan
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH0004_Snow Vista1024,683Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4026 MOUNT HAMILTON SNOW DAWN PANORAMA
2008 December 17
Pastel colors of early dawn paint sky and snow in this 270° panoramic view of the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Clara Valley, as viewed from the Main Building parapet. The Crossley Reflector dome crowns Ptolemy Peak at foreground left. At far right is a landscape viewing telescope, and dome of the 36" Great Lick Refractor. As the landscape brightens, lamps outlining the city steets will soon be turned off. The now-vintage lamps have an interesting history, the unique result of a 'good neighbor' collaboration between the city of San José and Lick Observatory, to serve their respective but disparate night sky requirements. When installed in 1980, the lamps were an upgrade in energy efficiency, which significantly reduced the city's electricity costs. For astronomers on Mt. Hamilton, the narrow Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) frequency (which shines saffron yellow), combined with overhead shielding, has allowed detection and observation of very faint stars whose delicate light would otherwise be lost in a typical city's bright glow. Many important astronomical discoveries have been made as a result, contributing to Lick Observatory's continuing stature as one of the world's forefront research institutions. Although the following webpage was written before the advent of LED street lighting and the more recent collaboration between San José and Lick Observatory to upgrade city lighting, it is an excellent in-depth examination of LPS lighting and its substantial benefits to research at Lick Observatory through the preceding decades.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35mm zoom f/2.8
f/5.6
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: 2 seconds per frame, 11 successive frames
Stitched 270° Panorama
Native Resolution: 24502x2768 pixels (yes, it's very long!)
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, corrected for lens distortion, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4026_Mt Hamilton Snow Dawn Panorama1800,203Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4027 MOUNT HAMILTON SNOW CITY LIGHTS
2008 December 16
Early dawn brightens the sky above Silicon Valley in this western view from the summit of Mt. Hamilton. Lights from the city illumiate clouds above. Why are Silicon Valley street lights yellow? City planners have collaborated with astronomers to help preserve the darkness of the night sky over San José by using low-pressure sodium lighting. Saffron in color, LPS has the least impact on astronomical observation of any type of urban lighting. The city wins too; energy costs have been significantly reduced. Overhead covers shield street lamps so they illuminate the ground where it’s needed, not the sky.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200mm zoom f/3.5-5.6
f/5.6
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: 121 seconds
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4027_Mountt Hamilton Snow City Lights1024,680Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4028 MT HAMILTON METEOR
2008 December 17
The elongated streak of a vaporizing meteor sears through the pattern of star trails in this predawn five-minute time exposure. Seven of the ten summit telescopes are seen left to right: Lick 36-inch Refractor, Tauchmann 22-inch Reflector, Crocker Dome, Automated Planet Finder (APF), Carnegie Double Astrograph, Shane 3-meter Reflector, Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT).
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35mm zoom f/2.8
f/5.6
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: 300 secondsPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4028_Mt. Hamilton Meteor1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7312_LAUREN WEISS UCB APF OBSERVING
2015 January 3
From the Berkeley remote workstation (about 70 miles away from Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton), astronomer Lauren Weiss monitors the Automated Planet Finder (APF), a fully automated telescope that is searching for planets around the nearest stars. On her laptop, Lauren examines some preliminary data revealing planet discoveries while the APF runs. From right to left, the four workstation monitors show (1) the latest webcam view of the APF at Lick Observatory, (2) the guider image as the telescope moves from one star to the next, (3) the latest image of a spectrum from the telescope, in which is hidden the signatures of stellar motion indicative of planets, and (4) another view of the latest spectrum, along with the spectrograph controls.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/30 second @ f/6.5, 14.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 1100
Native Resolution: 4222x3405 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, corrected for lens distortion, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCB astronomer Lauren Weiss for her patience and good humor. We had fun on this photo shoot!
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7312_Lauren Weiss UCB Observing APF1191,711Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
1999
PLANET HUNTER
Astronomer Dr. Paul Butler in the control room of the Shane 3m Telescope at Lick Observatory. A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90x
Exposure: unrecordedCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
The photographer thanks Dr. Butler and UCO/Lick staff for their invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
LINKS:
email comment / inquiry
University of California Observatories ~ UCO
Lick Observatory ~ Mount Hamilton
____________________________________________________________________________LH2138_Paul Butler 3m Portrait1024,614Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7323_REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION_wide angle view
2015 June 30
The following description and comments are contributed by Rem Stone, retired UC Research Astronomer:
"Lick Observatory's Great 36-inch Refractor was the most powerful telescope in the world when it saw first light in 1888. The long 57-foot focal length (focal ratio f19.3) was intended to make it especially suitable for visual observations of planets, a primary occupation of astronomers of the period. In 1892, E.E. Barnard used this telescope to discover Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter. This was the first such discovery since Galileo observed the first four moons nearly 300 years earlier, and was the last moon discovered with the otherwise unaided eye. This impressive instrument is now used for public viewing and educational programs.
"In the gap between the telescope and the polar axle, note the conjunction of our two brightest planets: Venus, and Jupiter just above and to the right. Although of course still far apart in space, they appear apparently closer together along the line of sight in the sky than the diameter of the moon. Such events are not uncommon, although this occasion was particularly memorable in the early evening sky. With such bright objects in a bright sky, there would have been no reason not to have the dome lights on as shown here, even during actual observing.
"With such a spectacular machine, it's fun to be able to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unable to observe the conjunction with the telescope. When the very long telescope is pointed low in the sky as it is in this photograph, access to the eyepiece would be gained by raising the movable dome floor 17 feet to the height of the railed ring seen circling the dome, and movable stairs would have been required to reach the eyepiece. At present, the floor awaits engineering evaluation of the aging mechanical components before it can be returned to normal use. This is a wonderful educational and public outreach tool, and we hope it will be returned to full functionality soon!"
Note the sunset peek-a-boo view over South San Francisco Bay through the dome window, lower mid right.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph. Special thanks go to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry. We had fun!
"Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Single Frame
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
4 seconds @ f8
ISO digital equivalent: 200
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
National Geographic_Venus Jupiter Conjunction 2015 June 30
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry, as well as University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7323_Refractor Conjunction_2015 June 301440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7323_REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION_wide angle view + vignette
2015 June 30
The following description and comments are contributed by Rem Stone, retired UC Research Astronomer:
"Lick Observatory's Great 36-inch Refractor was the most powerful telescope in the world when it saw first light in 1888. The long 57-foot focal length (focal ratio f19.3) was intended to make it especially suitable for visual observations of planets, a primary occupation of astronomers of the period. In 1892, E.E. Barnard used this telescope to discover Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter. This was the first such discovery since Galileo observed the first four moons nearly 300 years earlier, and was the last moon discovered with the otherwise unaided eye. This impressive instrument is now used for public viewing and educational programs.
"In the gap between the telescope and the polar axle, note the conjunction of our two brightest planets: Venus, and Jupiter just above and to the right. Although of course still far apart in space, they appear apparently closer together along the line of sight in the sky than the diameter of the moon. Such events are not uncommon, although this occasion was particularly memorable in the early evening sky. With such bright objects in a bright sky, there would have been no reason not to have the dome lights on as shown here, even during actual observing.
"With such a spectacular machine, it's fun to be able to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unable to observe the conjunction with the telescope. When the very long telescope is pointed low in the sky as it is in this photograph, access to the eyepiece would be gained by raising the movable dome floor 17 feet to the height of the railed ring seen circling the dome, and movable stairs would have been required to reach the eyepiece. At present, the floor awaits engineering evaluation of the aging mechanical components before it can be returned to normal use. This is a wonderful educational and public outreach tool, and we hope it will be returned to full functionality soon!"
Note the sunset peek-a-boo view over South San Francisco Bay through the dome window, lower mid right.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph. Special thanks go to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry. We had fun!
"Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Single Frame
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
4 seconds @ f8
ISO digital equivalent: 200
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
National Geographic_Venus Jupiter Conjunction 2015 June 30
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry, as well as University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7323_Refractor Conjunction_2015 June 301440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7323_REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION_zoom view 1
2015 June 30
The following description and comments are contributed by Rem Stone, retired UC Research Astronomer:
"Lick Observatory's Great 36-inch Refractor was the most powerful telescope in the world when it saw first light in 1888. The long 57-foot focal length (focal ratio f19.3) was intended to make it especially suitable for visual observations of planets, a primary occupation of astronomers of the period. In 1892, E.E. Barnard used this telescope to discover Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter. This was the first such discovery since Galileo observed the first four moons nearly 300 years earlier, and was the last moon discovered with the otherwise unaided eye. This impressive instrument is now used for public viewing and educational programs.
"In the gap between the telescope and the polar axle, note the conjunction of our two brightest planets: Venus, and Jupiter just above and to the right. Although of course still far apart in space, they appear apparently closer together along the line of sight in the sky than the diameter of the moon. Such events are not uncommon, although this occasion was particularly memorable in the early evening sky. With such bright objects in a bright sky, there would have been no reason not to have the dome lights on as shown here, even during actual observing.
"With such a spectacular machine, it's fun to be able to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unable to observe the conjunction with the telescope. When the very long telescope is pointed low in the sky as it is in this photograph, access to the eyepiece would be gained by raising the movable dome floor 17 feet to the height of the railed ring seen circling the dome, and movable stairs would have been required to reach the eyepiece. At present, the floor awaits engineering evaluation of the aging mechanical components before it can be returned to normal use. This is a wonderful educational and public outreach tool, and we hope it will be returned to full functionality soon!"
Note the sunset peek-a-boo view over South San Francisco Bay through the dome window, lower mid right.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph. Special thanks go to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry. We had fun!
"Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Single Frame
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
4 seconds @ f8
ISO digital equivalent: 200
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
National Geographic_Venus Jupiter Conjunction 2015 June 30
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry, as well as University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7323_Refractor Conjunction_2015 June 301440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7323_REFRACTOR CONJUNCTION_zoom view 2
2015 June 30
The following description and comments are contributed by Rem Stone, retired UC Research Astronomer:
"Lick Observatory's Great 36-inch Refractor was the most powerful telescope in the world when it saw first light in 1888. The long 57-foot focal length (focal ratio f19.3) was intended to make it especially suitable for visual observations of planets, a primary occupation of astronomers of the period. In 1892, E.E. Barnard used this telescope to discover Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter. This was the first such discovery since Galileo observed the first four moons nearly 300 years earlier, and was the last moon discovered with the otherwise unaided eye. This impressive instrument is now used for public viewing and educational programs.
"In the gap between the telescope and the polar axle, note the conjunction of our two brightest planets: Venus, and Jupiter just above and to the right. Although of course still far apart in space, they appear apparently closer together along the line of sight in the sky than the diameter of the moon. Such events are not uncommon, although this occasion was particularly memorable in the early evening sky. With such bright objects in a bright sky, there would have been no reason not to have the dome lights on as shown here, even during actual observing.
"With such a spectacular machine, it's fun to be able to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unable to observe the conjunction with the telescope. When the very long telescope is pointed low in the sky as it is in this photograph, access to the eyepiece would be gained by raising the movable dome floor 17 feet to the height of the railed ring seen circling the dome, and movable stairs would have been required to reach the eyepiece. At present, the floor awaits engineering evaluation of the aging mechanical components before it can be returned to normal use. This is a wonderful educational and public outreach tool, and we hope it will be returned to full functionality soon!"
In wider angle views of this image, a sunset peek-a-boo view over South San Francisco Bay can be seen through the dome window, lower mid right. The window is not visible in this close up view.Sincere gratitude is extended to Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their collaboration and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph. Special thanks go to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry. We had fun!
"Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the Great Telescope."
~ Lick Observatory Astronomer James Edward Keeler in The Engineer, 1888 July 6
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Single Frame
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom
4 seconds @ f8
ISO digital equivalent: 200
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
National Geographic_Venus Jupiter Conjunction 2015 June 30
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Telescope Operators Patrick Maloney, Rodney Norden, and Keith Wandry, as well as University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7323_Refractor Conjunction_2015 June 301440,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0002 LICK OBSERVATORY LIGHTNING
1999 September 8
In this one-minute time exposure looking west from Kepler Peak, a turbulent cloud hurtles lightning into Mt. Hamilton foothills. Across Silicon Valley, more bolts shock the Santa Cruz Mountains twenty miles away. Thunder rumbles across hillsides announcing repeated strikes. Sheets of rain drench valley neighborhoods. It is a spectacle of rare intensity on Mt. Hamilton, and one that will continue past daybreak. Domes remain closed for the duration of the storm, shielding telescopes from the assault.
PERSONAL NOTES
On the evening of September 8, 1999, a massive storm system engulfed the greater San Francisco Bay Area. My astronomer husband Rem Stone and I watched from the southern window of our home on the summit of Mt. Hamilton as a behemoth fast-moving cell advanced north like a juggernaut toward San José. Clusters of lightning pulsed from its dark belly. We grabbed my camera gear and raced to a windy vantage point on Kepler Peak. I began to shoot one minute exposures of the Observatory as the giant cell approached Mt. Hamilton’s foothills ten miles west of the summit. In every direction as far as we could see, storm clouds spiked jagged bolts and sheets of rain into cities and bordering hills. For nearly two hours I continued to shoot while ‘safety officer’ Rem monitored cells which surrounded us, counting eerie interludes between flashes and thunderous explosions, and marveling as mega-amps discharged into the ground. It was like being on a surreal sci-fi movie set.
The storm continued overnight and well past daybreak. It was the most chaotic and photogenic lightning event I experienced in eighteen years of residence at Lick Observatory.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film exposure: 1 minute @ f/8
Tango Drum Scan
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH0002_Lick Observatory Lightning1024,674Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0002 LICK OBSERVATORY LIGHTNING: GHOST IMAGE
1999 September 8
In this one-minute time exposure looking west from Kepler Peak, a turbulent cloud hurtles lightning into Mt. Hamilton foothills. Across Silicon Valley, more bolts shock the Santa Cruz Mountains twenty miles away. Thunder rumbles across hillsides announcing repeated strikes. Sheets of rain drench valley neighborhoods. It is a spectacle of rare intensity on Mt. Hamilton, and one that will continue past daybreak. Domes remain closed for the duration of the storm, shielding telescopes from the assault.
The apparent lightning figure which appears on the Shane dome is an optical phenomenon caused by an internal reflection in the camera. A ghost image from the section outlined just below was inverted both horizontally and vertically, as shown in the extracted example adjacent to the dome. Compare the inverted sample with the ghosted lightning figure on the dome, and note that the lightning outlines are identical. The ghost image was superimposed on the film, but is not ‘real’. Lightning appears to be striking the dome but was actually ten miles away.PERSONAL NOTES
On the evening of September 8, 1999, a massive storm system engulfed the greater San Francisco Bay Area. My astronomer husband Rem Stone and I watched from the southern window of our home on the summit of Mt. Hamilton as a behemoth fast-moving cell advanced north like a juggernaut toward San José. Clusters of lightning pulsed from its dark belly. We grabbed my camera gear and raced to a windy vantage point on Kepler Peak. I began to shoot one minute exposures of the Observatory as the giant cell approached Mt. Hamilton’s foothills ten miles west of the summit. In every direction as far as we could see, storm clouds spiked jagged bolts and sheets of rain into cities and bordering hills. For nearly two hours I continued to shoot while ‘safety officer’ Rem monitored cells which surrounded us, counting eerie interludes between flashes and thunderous explosions, and marveling as mega-amps discharged into the ground. It was like being on a surreal sci-fi movie set.
The storm continued overnight and well past daybreak. It was the most chaotic and photogenic lightning event I experienced in eighteen years of residence at Lick Observatory.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film exposure: 1 minute @ f/8
Tango Drum Scan
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH0002_Lick Observatory Lightning: Ghost Image1024,674Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7303 GREAT REFRACTOR OBSERVING
2014 April 19
Dr. Elinor Gates moves the Great Lick Refractor into the next viewing position, while students from Alex Filippenko's UC Berkeley Astronomy classes await their turn at the eyepiece.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/15 second @ f/2.8
ISO digital equivalent: 1600
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Panoramic Composite
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote
LH7303_Great Refractor Observing1080,721Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4028 MAIN BUILDING GEMINIDS
2014 December 13
8:00:45 PM PST
In this view through a fisheye lens, a Geminids meteor streaks over the Main Building. Note the Pleiades above the meteor trail, and Orion rising through gauzy clouds at the roof line. Both the Main Building and clouds are tinted by saffron-colored low pressure sodium lights from the city of San José in the valley below.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
This image is a High Dynamic Range composite of three frames from one photo session, using the same camera, lens, and tripod position. My objective in shooting and processing this composite was to maximize capabilities of the camera CCD and fisheye lens, and to avoid their respective weaknesses in capturing a wide range of light values. The goal was to more authentically convey what I witnessed in the moment of capture.
Sky and Meteor
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 16mm fisheye f/2.8
15 seconds @ f2.8
ISO digital equivalent: 800Main Building
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 16mm fisheye f/2.8
120 seconds @ f/8
ISO digital equivalent: 400Maing Building Entry
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 16mm fisheye f/2.8
60 seconds @ f/8
ISO digital equivalent: 400Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
BEGIN WebSTAT Activation Code -->LH7319_Main Building Geminids1280,864Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7353_LICK NIROSETI FIRST LIGHT NIGHT
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 March 15
The NIROSETI (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) instrument saw first light on the Nickel 1-meter Telescope shortly before this photograph was made. The Nickel is housed inside the Main Building's near foreground dome. NIROSETI team members are counting their 'lucky stars' that clouds did not prevent star light from reaching the instrument. Enjoying a celebratory walk under the night sky, astronomer Shelley Wright pauses in view of the camera. Wright's image is ghosted because she was stationary for only a brief moment during the camera's longer time exposure. Inside the dome, Jérome Maire, Patrick Dorval, and Remington Stone continue to test the instrument, albeit through changing clouds. Other team members include Frank Drake, Geoffrey Marcy, Andrew Siemion, Richard Treffers, and Dan Wertheimer. The NIROSETI instrument is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
Saffron colored low pressure sodium street lamps in nearby San José tint the clouds a soft orange-pink.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
Exposure: 30 seconds f/2.8
ISO digital equivalent: 400
Native Resolution: 7323x6313 pixels
Two-frame Composited Panorama
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7353_Lick NIROSETI First Light Night800,689Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7306 REFRACTOR TWILIGHT OBSERVING
2014 April 19
As darkness approaches, Dr. Alex Filippenko's UC Berkeley Astronomy students begin observations at the Great Lick 36" Refractor.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/15 second @ f/7.1
ISO digital equivalent: 6400
Native Resolution: 7360x5220 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Alex Fillipenko and his UC Berkeley students, resident astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates, and University of California Observatories / Lick Observatory astronomer colleagues, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote
LH7306_Refractor Twilight Observing685,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0021_GREAT LICK REFRACTOR
2001 April 8
Considered to be an irreplaceable national astronomical treasure, the Lick 36” Refractor saw first light in 1888. At that time it was the most powerful telescope on earth. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. For over a century many significant discoveries were made, such as that of the fifth moon of Jupiter in 1892. In late summer of 2003, and again in fall of 2005, the close approach of Mars was studied and recorded. This impressive instrument is frequently used for public viewing and educational programs.
As twilight approaches, bright daytime sky reflections on the telescope gradually transform with the darkening sky into deep, intensely saturated blues. To ensure precise focus from foreground to background, an aperture of f/45 on 100 ISO film necessitated an exceptionally long, unenhanced 25-minute time exposure. Recorded here is the elusive transition when stars begin to appear, yet the ultramarine sky and its brilliant reflections have not fully given way to darkness. A bank of photographic lights illuminate subtle details of telescope, pier, and dome, features otherwise not easily discerned as the muted interior eases into night. An additional 30-second exposure of the sky was also shot and then digitally composited in the original photograph to more accurately represent the stars as perceived by the human eye. Polaris (North Star) is visible in the dome slit just above the telescope.
A 5’x7’ photomural version of this image is installed in the Explore the Universe Exhibition, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. It is a trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) backdrop on which the famous 1894 Brashear “Mills Spectrograph” is displayed. (The instrument is not shown here.) My assistants and I thank NASM for their initiation and support of this endeavor. A percentage of proceeds from sales of this picture will be dedicated to preservation of the Great Refractor and to enrichment of visitor programs.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Sinar p2 4x5, Sinaro 135mm f/5.6 S lens
Kodak VC T100 Color Negative film
Exposures:
25 minutes @ f/45, 30 seconds @ f/5.6
Digital drum scans from the original film frames were composited and corrected in Photoshop
Photography assisted by Steve Lawrence and Anthony MarinoPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
NASM Explore the Universe Exhibition
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Lick Observatory Summer Series
Sincere gratitude is extended to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steve Lawrence, Anthony Marino, and University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0021_Great Lick Refractor720,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7352_LICK NIROSETI COMPUTER ROOM
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 March 14
In the Nickel 1 meter telescope control room, astronomers Shelley Wright (lower right), Patrick Dorval (left) and Jérome Maire (center) are shown with computers and other electronic components of the NIROSETI (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) instrument. Coupled with the detector mounted on the telescope a few meters from the control room, this instrument is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative system is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
Other team members include Frank Drake, Geoffrey Marcy, Andrew Siemion, Remington Stone, Richard Treffers, and Dan Wertheimer.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 35 mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/30 second f/10
Camera mount bounce flash, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 2200
Native Resolution: 4912x7360 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7352_Lick NIROSETI Computer Room673,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7351_LICK NIROSETI WRIGHT DICHROIC
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 March 14
At the Nickel 1 meter telescope, astronomer Shelley Wright discusses the dichroic filter with her colleague Jérome Maire (only his hand is visible). Her right hand is holding a fiber that emits infrared light for calibration of the detectors. The NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, and the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
Other team members include Patrick Dorval, Frank Drake, Geoffrey Marcy, Andrew Siemion, Remington Stone, Richard Treffers, and Dan Wertheimer.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 35 mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/45 second f/5.6
Camera mount bounce flash, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 9000
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7351_Lick NIROSETI Wright Dichroic1024,683Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIAOSETI VIDEO CONFERENCE
OSETI: OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2011 July 28
Astronomer and Lick OSETI Principal Investigator Shelley Wright is flanked by collaborators Remington Stone (left) and Frank Drake (right). They are in the control room of the Nickel 40" Reflector, and in the midst of a video conference with Geoffrey Marcy at UC Berkeley. (Note that Dr. Drake has arrived with provisions for the night's observing: a bag of home-baked chocolate chip cookies, and almost enough m&m's for everyone.) Mounted on the telescope is an instrument designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This instrument was replaced in March 2015 by the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which was designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress (shown in the framed photograph on the desk) whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0 wide angle zoomlens
Digital ISO equivalent: 200 / f/4.0
Exposure: 1/13 secondCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
OSETI_Vid Con1024,488Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0007_NICKEL OSETI
OSETI: OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2002
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture. Protruding from the bottom of the telescope is a rectangular instrument designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This instrument was replaced in March 2015 by the NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which was designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s, Nikkor 22mm f/2.8 lens
Fuji Supra 100 Color Negative film
Exposure: unrecordedCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH0007_Nickel OSETI614,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7351_LICK NIROSETI FIRST LIGHT TEAM
NIROSETI: NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE
2015 March 12
From left to right at the 1 meter Nickel Reflector: Remington Stone, Dan Wertheimer, NIROSETI instrument, Jérome Maire, Shelley Wright, Patrick Dorval, and Richard Treffers. Also on the team but not shown here are Frank Drake, Geoffrey Marcy, and Andrew Siemion. The NIROSETI instrument (Near Infrared Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is designed to detect as-yet-undiscovered nanosecond laser pulses from beyond our solar system. This innovative device is the only one of its kind in the world, the first capable of detecting such brief bursts at near infrared wavelengths.
The Anna B. Nickel 40-inch Reflector is named for the San Francisco seamstress whose generous and unexpected bequest provided funding to design and build this telescope. Constructed in-house in the late 1970’s, the Nickel presently occupies the first dome to be completed on Mt. Hamilton, at the north end of the Main Building. The dome originally housed a 12” Alvan Clark Refractor which was placed in service in 1881. Careful dome modifications accommodate the Nickel’s larger aperture.
What would Anna think if her telescope was the first to discover ET?
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
Four frame High Dynamic Range Stacked Composite:
1/45 second @ f/4.8, ISO 1600
2 seconds @ f/9.5, ISO 140
15 seconds @ f/9.5, ISO 140
14.0 mm all exposures
dual flash used on all exposures, plus interior lighting
ISO digital equivalent: 1600 and 140
Native Resolution: 4426x6759 pixels
Wide angle lens distortion corrections were manually applied.
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to the NIROSETI Team, and to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
Email for size options and price quote
Email your inquiry / comment
LH7350_Lick NIROSETI First Light Team629,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7311_CLAIRE MAX_OBSERVERS 3M CONTROL ROOM
2015 January 6
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS •ShARCSThis photograph was made at Lick Observatory on 2015 January 6 at 1:15 AM. University of California Observatories Interim Director Claire Max (left) is discussing the night's program with fellow astronomers Lauren Schatz (middle) and Srikar Srinath (right). They are using the Shane Adaptive Optics Laser Guide Star system on the telescope. Shrikar says, "We were working on Schatz' senior thesis, and observing star clusters (NGC 2419 among them) to help characterize how well the new Shane AO adaptive optics system on the Shane telescope is doing." This is the first of a two night observing run, and they've already had a long day, preparing for the run and traveling to Mt. Hamilton. If all goes well with the weather and equipment, they have many more hours ahead of them on this long winter's night. The reward is acquiring critical data for their research, and to test the new system.
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
NOTES
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Dr. Claire Max, Shrikar Srinath, and Lauren Statz, as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing Lick Observatory photographs.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D810
Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8
1/30 second @ f/4, 19.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 3200
Native Resolution: 5130x3326 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, corrected for lens distortion, and sharpened for digital outputPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Claire Max, Shrinar Srinath, and Lauren Schatz, as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Staff Astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing Lick Observatory photographs.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH7311_Claire Max Observers 3m Control Room1280,830Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7305_ROCKOSI-KUPKE_SHANE AO
2014 April 12
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS •ShARCSThis image was photographed at Lick Observatory inside the Shane 3m control Room. Pictured are UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of Astronomy Connie Rockosi (http://www.ucolick.org/~crockosi/), left, and UCSC Project Scientist Renate Kupke, right (http://www.astro.ucsc.edu/about_department/people/singleton.php?&singleton=true&cruz_id=rkupke).
Dr. Kupke contributes the following description:
"In April, 2014 a powerful new instrument, ShaneAO, was commissioned on the 3-meter telescope at Lick Observatory. ShaneAO, coupled with a new crystal fiber-based laser guide star (to be deployed in early 2015) represents a significant advance in adaptive optics capabilities for Lick Observatory. It utilizes a high-order, high-bandwidth 'wavefront sensor' to measure the distortions caused by the Earth’s atmosphere, and two 'deformable' mirrors to optimally compensate for the distortion. The system produces sharp, clear images that rival those of a space-based telescope, at shorter wavelengths than previously possible."
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 28-300 f/3.5-5.6
1/60 second @ f/5 24.0 mm
ISO digital equivalent: 1250
Native Resolution: 7360x4912 pixels
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.
This is a depth of field composite of two successively shot images at different focus points, to ensure precise focus on both individuals.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to UCSC Astronomers Connie Rockosi and Renate Kupke, as well as University of California Observatories astronomers, technicians, staff, and friends. Special thanks go to Staff Astronomer Dr. Elinor Gates and the Mount Hamilton technical support staff for their generous assistance and invaluable collaboration in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote
LH7305_Rockosi-Kupke_ShaneAO1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA
2006 July 27
AUTOMATED PLANET FINDER TELESCOPE
Planet hunter Geoff Marcy anxiously awaits completion of the 2.4-meter Automatic Planet Finder telescope at Lick Observatory. The anticipated performance of this dedicated and robotic facility may enable discovery of other earth-like planets.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4.0 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/5.6
Exposure: 1/125 secondCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
The photographer thanks Dr. Marcy and UCO/Lick staff for their invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
LINKS:
email comment / inquiry
University of California Observatories ~ UCO
Lick Observatory ~ Mount Hamilton
____________________________________________________________________________LH2113_APF Geoffrey Marcy614,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0255p TWIN GATES MOON
2006 February 11
The moon rises behind the Main Building on the summit of Mt. Hamilton just before sunset. The disc is 99% illuminated—a waxing gibbous moon. This juxtaposition is not a fortuitous “accident”; the moon appears in a different but predictable location every day. Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and place from which to view such an alignment. This camera position is 2.3 line-of-sight miles from the observatory, several hundred feet up the hill from the Twin Gates Trail Head parking lot on Highway 130. The compass bearing (azimuth) is 70°. A digital camera with 400mm telephoto lens was used to record the breathtaking event.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Compass Bearing: 70°
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200mm-400mm f/4.0 zoom @ f/8
1/100 second
ISO digital equivalent: 100PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0255p_Twin Gates Moon1024,457Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0255c TWIN GATES MOON
2006 February 11
The moon rises behind the Main Building on the summit of Mt. Hamilton just before sunset. The disc is 99% illuminated—a waxing gibbous moon. This juxtaposition is not a fortuitous “accident”; the moon appears in a different but predictable location every day. Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and place from which to view such an alignment. This camera position is 2.3 line-of-sight miles from the observatory, several hundred feet up the hill from the Twin Gates Trail Head parking lot on Highway 130. The compass bearing (azimuth) is 70°. A digital camera with 400mm telephoto lens was used to record the breathtaking event.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Compass Bearing: 70°
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200mm-400mm f/4.0 zoom @ f/8
1/100 second
ISO digital equivalent: 100PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0255c_Twin Gates Moon1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0254p TWIN GATES JET MOONRISE
2006 December 3
The moon rises behind the Main Building on the summit of Mt. Hamilton just before sunset. The disc is 99% illuminated—a waxing gibbous moon. This juxtaposition is not a fortuitous “accident”; the moon appears in a different but predictable location every day. Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and place from which to view such an alignment. This camera position is 2.3 line-of-sight miles from the observatory, near the Twin Gates trail head on Highway 130. A digital camera with 400mm telephoto lens was used to record the breathtaking event.
Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and coordinates from which to view this alignment. The moon rises in a different but predictable place every day.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200mm-400mm f/4.0 zoom @ f/5.6
1/400 second
ISO digital equivalent: 125PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0254p_Twin Gates Jet Moonrise1024,497Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0254c TWIN GATES JET MOONRISE
2006 December 3
The moon rises behind the Main Building on the summit of Mt. Hamilton just before sunset. The disc is 99% illuminated—a waxing gibbous moon. This juxtaposition is not a fortuitous “accident”; the moon appears in a different but predictable location every day. Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and place from which to view such an alignment. This camera position is 2.3 line-of-sight miles from the observatory, near the Twin Gates trail head on Highway 130. A digital camera with 400mm telephoto lens was used to record the breathtaking event.
Careful calculation and planning are required to determine the precise time and coordinates from which to view this alignment. The moon rises in a different but predictable place every day.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200mm-400mm f/4.0 zoom @ f/5.6
1/400 second
ISO digital equivalent: 125PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0254c_Twin Gates Jet Moonrise1024,699Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIALH0003 GOLD SNOW SUNSET
2001 February 12
The evening sun sets storm clouds ablaze after a week’s winter gale, reflected on the Main Building and on the dome of the Lick 36” Refractor. Harsh winds have driven a 30-inch blanket of snow into panoramas of sculpted, ice-encrusted drifts. Mt. Hamilton’s youngest residents have been sledding all day, but astronomers are less enthusiastic. Domes are frozen shut, preventing any possibility of observation if the sky clears. Occasional snowfalls are routine from late fall through spring, but accumulations like this typically occur only once in a decade.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Sigma 15mm f/4.5 Semi-Fisheye lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film
Exposure: unrecordedA digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to restore fisheye distortion to a rectillinear view. The results were imperfect, and localized retouching was also used to complete the process. These adjustments were made prior to the advent of sophisticated digital global correction tools, so it was a much more time consuming and laborious process than in contemporary times. Also, this image was made early in my career as a photographer, when my processing skills were exceedingly modest at best -- I chose the long-and-wrong way to do things more often than not! A learning process, it was.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!LH0003_Gold Snow Sunset1024,683Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0307 MAIN BUILDING SNOW
2006 February 19
President’s Day Weekend: From Copernicus Peak looking southwest 25 minutes before sunrise, the saffron-colored street lights of south Silicon Valley glow curiously pink through the fog. Small cumulus clouds scattered along the horizon reflect the approaching light of dawn. Coyotes bark and sing in the canyons below, piercing the frosty silence. Seven of the Observatory’s ten telescopes are visible from left to right: Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope, Crossley 36” Reflector, Shane 120” Reflector, Tauchmann 22” Reflector, Crocker Dome (partially hidden in shrubs), and the Main Building with Lick 36” Refractor on the left, and Nickel 40” Reflector on the right.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200-400 mm f/4.0 zoom lens
ISO Digital: 100
Exposure: 1/125 second @ f/8PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0307_Main Building Snow1024,768Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0315 PREDAWN SNOW
2006 February 19
President’s Day Weekend: From Copernicus Peak looking southwest 25 minutes before sunrise, the saffron-colored street lights of south Silicon Valley glow curiously pink through the fog. Small cumulous clouds scattered along the horizon reflect the approaching light of dawn. Coyotes bark and sing in the canyons below, piercing the frosty silence. Seven of the Observatory’s ten telescopes are visible from left to right: Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope, Crossley 36” Reflector, Shane 120” Reflector, Tauchmann 22” Reflector, Crocker Dome (partially hidden in shrubs), and the Main Building with Lick 36” Refractor on the left, and Nickel 40” Reflector on the right.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 60 mm f/2.8 zoom lens @ f/8
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 4 secondsPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0315_PreDawn Snow1024,768Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0067 PINK SNOW DAWN
2001 February
The delicate first blush of dawn arrives on Mt. Hamilton. View is looking west toward the Santa Cruz Mountains from Copernicus Peak, the highest point in the Diablo Range.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Stitched Multi-Frame Panorama
Exposure Unrecorded
PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0067 Pink Snow Dawn1280,488Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0305 RATTLESNAKE RIDGE SNOW
2008 January 28
Snow-frosted oaks and pines frame the dome of the Lick 36” Refractor, in this northeast view from Rattlesnake Ridge several hundreds yards away.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 1/320 second @ f/14
Exposure bias: -0.33PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data ? US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.?
LH0305_Rattlesnake Ridge Snow1024,768Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4033 GOLD SUMMIT SNOW
2010 February 21
Constructed in the 1880's and seen here just before sunrise, the iconic Main Building Visitor Center crowns the summit overlooking Silicon Valley in Northern California. Forefront research, inventive technologies, and influential discoveries continue to sustain Lick Observatory's legendary stature in its second century of operation. University of California astronomers, collaborators, and students observe both on site and remotely using control rooms established on the UC campuses.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 80-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6
ISO Equivalent: 160 / f/8
Exposures: 1/50, 1/250, 1/400 second
Multi-Exposure Digitally Stacked High Definition Range ImagePUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4033_Gold Summit Snow1024,683Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0350 PINK SUMMIT SNOW
2008 January 28
Constructed in the 1880's and seen here in the blush of a cloudy winter sunset, the iconic Main Building Visitor Center crowns the summit overlooking Silicon Valley in Northern California. Forefront research, inventive technologies, and influential discoveries continue to sustain Lick Observatory's legendary stature in its second century of operation. University of California astronomers, collaborators, and students observe both on site and remotely using control rooms established on the UC campuses.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 200.0-400.0 mm f/4.0
ISO Digital: 100
Exposure: 3/10 second @ f/5.6
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0350_Pink Summit Snow1024,740Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0200f LASER WEST
2005 June 26
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens
ISO Digital: 320
Exposure: 120 seconds @ f/2.8
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.
Read more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH0200f_Laser West638,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0200c LASER WEST
2005 June 26
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGS
SUMMARY: ADAPTIVE OPTICS | LASER GUIDE STAR
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that pass through as they arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 10-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding precise celestial images that rival those from space telescopes.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens
ISO Digital: 320
Exposure: 120 seconds @ f/2.8
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.
Read more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories astronomers and staff for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this photograph.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH0200c_Laser West1024,768Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0034 LASER STAR TRAILS
2001 August
Read about PHOTOGRAPHING THE LASER
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR • AO/LGSMany celestial objects are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.
This predawn 20-minute time exposure records the blurred paths of the Shane 120" Reflector, laser, and dome as they follow an object, with a backdrop of multi-colored star trails and a streak of red blinking lights from a passing aircraft. Dark stripes in the laser "fan" record periods when the laser beam was extinguished. This happens for many reasons; protecting an overhead aircraft's pilot and passengers from highly improbable but possible eye damage is one example. They would have to stare directly into the 12-watt beam to sustain injury.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Hasselblad 503 CW
CFE 40 f/4 lens
E100VS Color Reversal film, scanned-digitized
Exposure: 20 minutes @ f/8
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH0034_Laser Star Trails960,960Price On Request -
view in FULL SCREEN toggle F11
LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2003 Spring
Looking west from Kepler Peak at twilight, dome lights briefly illuminate the Lick 36” (left) and Shane 120“ (right) telescopes. Soon the lights will be extinguished, and telescopes and domes will rotate toward the first objects of the night. Observing has already begun at the Nickel 40” Reflector in the smaller dome at horizon level just left of center; its darkened slit is also facing east. Midway between the Main Building and the Shane are the Tauchmann 22” Reflector left, and Carnegie Double Astrograph right.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 90mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, shot at 100 ISOExposure: 4 seconds @ f/8
Tango Drum Scans
Multiframe Digitally Composited PanoramaCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatoryand City Lighting
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2002 November 23
A technicolor sunset ignites fast-moving clouds over Mt. Hamilton. The winter storm season has arrived, bringing unsettled weather to the region. Astronomers arriving at the telescopes are dismayed because they had hoped for clear skies; the passing squall will thwart observations for much of the night. The Main Building is profiled in this view from Tycho Brahe Peak looking west toward the Santa Cruz Mountains. The large dome on the left houses the Lick 36” Refractor; on the right is the Anna Nickel 40” Reflector dome. San José lights are beginning to twinkle in Santa Clara Valley; Stevens Creek Boulevard is prominent on the right.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 75mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, shot at 100 ISO
Exposure: unrecordedCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatoryand City Lighting
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0052 ORION CITY LIGHTS
2008 December 16
Early dawn brightens the sky above Silicon Valley in this western view from the summit of Mt. Hamilton. Lights from the city illumiate clouds above. Why are Silicon Valley street lights yellow? The now-vintage lamps have an interesting history, the unique result of a 'good neighbor' collaboration between the city of San José and Lick Observatory, to serve their respective but disparate night sky requirements. When installed in 1980, the lamps were an upgrade in energy efficiency, which significantly reduced the city's electricity costs. For astronomers on Mt. Hamilton, the narrow Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) frequency (which shines yellow), combined with overhead shielding, has allowed detection and observation of very faint stars whose delicate light would otherwise be lost in a typical city's bright glow. Many important astronomical discoveries have been made as a result, contributing to Lick Observatory's continuing stature as one of the world's forefront research institutions. Although the following webpage was written before the advent of LED street lighting and the more recent collaboration between San José and Lick Observatory to upgrade city lighting, it is an excellent in-depth examination of yellow LPS lighting and its substantial benefits to research at Lick Observatory through the preceding decades.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 75mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, shot at 100 ISO
Exposure: 1 minute @ f/5.6
Scanned and digitized image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
Lick Observatory and City Lighting Cooperation
San José Flips the Switch on LED Streelights_2015 Feb 11
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2005 September 6
In this western view from Kepler Peak, a spectacular conjunction, or clustering of celestial objects, adorns the darkening sky over Silicon Valley. Our neighboring planet Venus is upper left; the first magnitude star Spica shines faintly below. A three-day-old waxing crescent moon (10% illumination) is flanked on the upper right by the planet Jupiter. The dark area of the moon is subtly illuminated by sunlight reflecting off the earth toward the moon; this effect is called “earthshine”. Spica is 260 light years from Earth, and is one of two stars that orbit closely around each other. This pair of stars appears as one to the naked eye. When visible, Venus is the brightest object in the twilight sky other than the moon. Similar conjunctions occur several times a year – the vigilant sky watcher will be rewarded with breathtaking celestial performances.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 90mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, shot at 100 ISO
Exposure: 4 seconds @ f/8COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Sun / Moon Data ~ US Naval Observatory
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0013 LUNAR ECLIPSE
2003 May 15
This three hour time exposure traces the path of the moon as it has risen into the sky during a total lunar eclipse. When the moon first became visible near the horizon after sunset, it was dimmed by the shadow of the earth. As the moon ascended, it eventually moved out of the earth's shadow and attained its full sunlight-reflected brightness in the latter half of the camera exposure. The view is from the summit of Mt. Hamilton at Lick Obesrvatory, looking southeast across Mt. Isabel to the right. Lights in the Central Valley visible in the farthest distance at lower left.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 75mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, at 100 ISO
ISO digital: 125 / f/4.5
Exposure: 180 minutesPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0013_Lunar Eclipse1024,821Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH1917 MOUNT HAMILTON SPRING STORM
2005 March 28
A spring storm has drenched Mt. Hamilton. As clouds begin to clear, the evening sun illuminates Lick Observatory's Main Building Visitor Center. Sprouting grass and multi-hued baby tree leaves are exceptionally colorful during this unusually wet season. Home to a broad variety of plant and animal species both common and rare, Mt. Hamilton is recognized by The Nature Conservancy as an exceptionally rich and diverse biological habitat, and is one of their designated Project Zones.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D100
Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 400 / f/14
Exposure: 1/125 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data ? US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH1917_Mount Hamilton Spring Storm679,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0450 MOUNT HAMILTON SKYLINE
2006 May 14
An early 20th century travel booklet states: “It is a liberal education to visit Mt. Hamilton. The vastness of the universe, the achievements of science are sufficient to fill the heart and to occupy the mind of the most intellectual and ambitious.” Formerly known as La Sierra Ysabel, “The Ham” is now populated by ten telescopes whose ages span over 130 years. Looking east from left to right, foreground: The Main Building houses the 40“ Nickel Reflector on the left; the larger open dome of the Lick 36” Refractor is right. In the middle ground are four domes left to right (only three are readily visible): the silver Crocker dome, the large Shane 3-meter Reflector, the Carnegie Astrograph (virtually hidden), and the 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder (APF). The dome of the 0.76-meter Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT) is in the center background.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens @ f/5.0
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 1/1250 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0450c_Mt. Hamilton Skyline960,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0450 MOUNT HAMILTON SKYLINE
2006 May 14
An early 20th century travel booklet states: “It is a liberal education to visit Mt. Hamilton. The vastness of the universe, the achievements of science are sufficient to fill the heart and to occupy the mind of the most intellectual and ambitious.” Formerly known as La Sierra Ysabel, “The Ham” is now populated by ten telescopes whose ages span over 130 years. Looking east from left to right, foreground: The Main Building houses the 40“ Nickel Reflector on the left; the larger open dome of the Lick 36” Refractor is right. In the middle ground are four domes left to right (only three are readily visible): the silver Crocker dome, the large Shane 3-meter Reflector, the Carnegie Astrograph (virtually hidden), and the 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder (APF). The dome of the 0.76-meter Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope (KAIT) is in the center background.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORYLick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens @ f/5.0
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 1/1250 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0450f_Mt. Hamilton Skyline1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0001 SPRING VISTA
2003 May 19
Observatory domes are resplendent on this unusually clear spring morning. Patches of lush grass and wildflowers carpet the rocky mountaintop; oak leaves are just beginning to sprout. Seven of the Observatory’s ten telescopes can be seen within this vista. From left to right: Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope, Crossley 36” Reflector, Shane 120" Reflector, Tauchmann 22" Reflector, Crocker Dome, and finally, the Main Building with Lick 36" Refractor on the left, and Nickel 40" Reflector on the right. View is from Copernicus Peak looking west across south San José toward the Santa Cruz Mountains.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 75mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, Tango Drum Scans
Exposure: 1/125 and 1/250 @ f/8
Multi-Frame Digitally Composited PanoramaPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data ? US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0001_Spring Vista1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH2290 MOUNT HAMILTON RIDGE
2008 May 10
An early 20th century travel booklet states: “It is a liberal education to visit Mt. Hamilton. The vastness of the universe, the achievements of science are sufficient to fill the heart and to occupy the mind of the most intellectual and ambitious.” Formerly known as La Sierra Ysabel, “The Ham” is now populated by ten telescopes whose ages span over 130 years. Looking east along the summit ridge, foreground: The Main Building houses the 40“ Nickel Reflector on the left; the larger open dome of the Lick 36” Refractor is right. Note the covered 36" lens through the open dome slit, and the shadow of the photography aircraft on the slope below. At middle ground right is the silver dome of the 22" Tauchmann Reflector. Farther back, the large Shane 3-meter Reflector is flanked forward left by the silver Crocker dome, and forward right by the 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder. The Carnegie Astrograph is virtually hidden behind APF. The dome of the 0.76-meter Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope is in the far background, above and slightly left of the Shane.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens @ f/5.0
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 1/4000 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2290_Mount Hamilton Ridge697,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2004 June 1
Painted in the bold blue and gold of its sponsoring institution UC Berkeley, the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope is the world's most successful detector of supernova explosions in nearby galaxies. It averages about seven discoveries per month. It has also observed comets and the early afterglow of elusive gamma ray bursts. With a mirror 76 centimeters in diameter, this modest but highly efficient reflector is fully robotic, operated remotely from Berkeley by astronomers and student researchers. As evening approaches, automatic sensors outside KAIT's dome determine wind and humidity levels, and open the dome slit if conditions are favorable. KAIT begins a programmed scan of the heavens, and identifies supernova candidates that the astronomers subsequently examine more closely. These data have contributed to the unexpected discovery that the expansion of our universe is currently accelerating, propelled by a mysterious "dark energy."
See the Berkeley supernova team in action at the Keck II control room in Hawai`i.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 lens
Fuji Velvia 100 color reversal film
Exposures: unrecorded
Multi-Frame High Dynamic Range ImagingCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope
The photographer thanks KAIT astronomers and UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quotePHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!LH0061_KAIT755,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0063_KATZMAN AUTOMATIC IMAGING TELESCOPE
2004 June 1
Painted in the bold blue and gold of its sponsoring institution UC Berkeley, the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope is the world’s most successful detector of supernova explosions in nearby galaxies. It averages about 7 discoveries per month. It has also observed comets and the early afterglow of elusive gamma ray bursts. With a mirror 76 centimeters in diameter, this modest but highly efficient reflector is fully robotic, operated remotely from Berkeley by astronomers and student researchers. As evening approaches, automatic sensors outside KAIT’s dome determine wind and humidity levels, and open the dome slit if conditions are favorable. KAIT begins a programmed scan of the heavens, and identifies supernova candidates that the astronomers subsequently examine more closely. These data have contributed to the unexpected discovery that the expansion of our universe is currently accelerating, propelled by a mysterious “dark energy.”
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
Fuji Velvia Color Reversal film
Exposures: unrecorded
Multi-Frame High Dynamic Range ImagingPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data ? US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0063_Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope1024,661Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH7299 36" LENS CLEANING
2009 October 9
Technicians Bob Owen (left) and Darrell Severinsen (right) carefully clean the interior surfaces of the two 36" lenses in the Great Lick Refractor.
In 2006, UCO Lick Principal Optician David Hilyard described the 1986-1987 refiguring of the lenses:
"On the 36" refractor; I started work on it in late 1986 and finished in 1988. I worked on this off and on during that time, with most of the work done in 1987. To start, I had made a spherical test plate to match the radius of the outer surface of the crown lens. This gave me a reference in radius and figure to work from. I first qualified the radius and figure using this 12.5" diameter test plate and found the figure irregular. The problem was that the outer region of that surface had trefoil of many waves, probably due to the support used to hold the lens during grinding and re-polishing in the early 1980's before I got here. It seemed easy enough to refigure that surface to a smooth spherical figure while maintaining the radius of curvature. My notes show that it only took 15 hours of careful polishing to restore that surface to 1/10 wave spherical, all the way to the edge. But the test of the objective in auto-collimation against a 40" flat showed spherical aberration of about 2 waves (single-pass). We didn't expect an asphere in the system, but had read that the Clarks sometimes did polish in an asphere to correct for glass inhomogeneities or lens spacing inaccuracies. It took some time to decide whether to figure that surface to an asphere to correct the test, or to do the work on another surface. After starting correction on that same surface, I think it took about 6 months before we decided it was as good as it could be and needed confirmation in the telescope. (Each polishing run, mostly corrected by hand, walking around the lens just like the Clark's did, was followed by re-assembling the objective in the cell and testing at the focus (is it 60 feet?) against the 40" flat, waiting for the glass to equilibrate and the floor to stop vibrating enough to get stable fringes.) Arnold Klemola, the most familiar with the quality of the image from the Clark's work, did the on-the-sky test in 1988. He deemed it as good or better than the original Clark lens."
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18 mm f/2.8 Fisheye
ISO Equivalent: 125 / f/2.8
Exposure: 1/4 secondPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7299_36" Lens Cleaning1024,680Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0240_SVP-Dorothy Schaumberg
2005 September 10
As part of the Lick Observatory Summer Programs, Dorothy Schaumberg is seen speaking at the podium (far side of the group of people) on the beautiful dome floor of the Great Lick Refractor. She is entertaining visitors with the fascinating history of this historic California institution. She enjoyed doing these talks for many years, as a natural extension to her decades of service to the Mary Lea Shane Archives of Lick Observatory, located on the UCSC campus, where she served ultimately as Curator. When her talk is concluded, the chairs will be whisked away, the lights turned off, and visitors will peer through the Great Lick Refractor at the evening's pick of celestial delights.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4.0 wide-angle zoom lens
ISO Equivalent: 400
Exposure: 0.4 second @ f/4.0PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0005_JAMES LICK TOMB
1999 May 8
“I intend to rot like a gentleman!” James Lick stated unequivocally when asked if he wished his remains to be cremated before interment in the foundation of his Great Lick Refractor. After suffering a debilitating stroke three years before, he died quietly on October 1, 1876, and was temporarily buried at San Francisco’s Masonic Cemetery after a grand funeral parade “fit for a king” that was attended by many thousands. On January 8, 1887 his body was transferred to Mt. Hamilton. Lick trustees and staff opened the coffin lid to verify that it was indeed Mr. Lick’s corpse sheltered within. Without the fanfare of his first funeral, the body of James Lick was then sealed into his unique tomb at the base of the telescope pier. This modest plaque identifies the Great Refractor’s dual function. For a comprehensive history of the Observatory, see the superb text "Eye on the Sky" by Osterbrock et al.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 70-210mm f/4.5 zoom lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film
Exposure: unrecordedPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0055 LICK 36" CLASSIC
2004 May 29
Considered to be an irreplaceable national astronomical treasure, the Lick 36” Refractor saw first light in 1888. At that time it was the most powerful telescope on earth. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. For over a century many significant discoveries were made, such as that of the fifth moon of Jupiter in 1892. In late summer of 2003, and again in fall of 2005, the close approach of Mars was studied and recorded.
The Great Refractor and dome interior are seen through the encompassing eye of a 180-degree fisheye lens, with longtime Mt. Hamilton resident and Research Astronomer Remington Stone pictured near the eyepiece. It is challenging to capture the unique ambiance inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: “Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope.” Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires visiting classes and summer visitors with enchanting views of the heavens.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 16mm f/2.8 semi-fisheye lens
Fuji Velvia Color Reversal film
Exposure: unrecorded.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Lick Observatory Summer Series
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this image.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0055_Lick 36" Classic639,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0101_FULL MOON OBSERVING
2003 September 10
Considered to be an irreplaceable national astronomical treasure, the Lick 36” Refractor saw first light in 1888. At that time it was the most powerful telescope on earth. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. For over a century many significant discoveries were made, such as that of the fifth moon of Jupiter in 1892. In late summer of 2003, and again in fall of 2005, the close approach of Mars was studied and recorded. In this photograph Mars observers William Sheehan and Tony Misch are taking a break from observing the red planet and instead are viewing the full moon.
The Great Refractor and dome interior are seen through the encompassing eye of a 180-degree fisheye lens. It is challenging to capture the unique ambiance inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: “Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope.” Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires visiting classes and summer visitors with enchanting views of the heavens.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s, Sigma 15mm
f/2.8 semi-fisheye lens
Provia 400 Color Reversal film
Exposure: unrecorded, two composited frames, one shot for highlights, the other for midtones and shadowsA digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to partially restore fisheye distortion to a rectilinear view.
PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Lick Observatory Summer Series
Sincere gratitude is extended to William Sheehan, Tony Misch, and University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing this image.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0101_Full Moon Observing637,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0020_REM 'n TELLY
2001 April
Research Astronomer and long-time Mt. Hamilton resident Remington Stone cleans the Right Ascension counterweight arm of the Great Lick Refractor. Considered to be an irreplaceable national astronomical treasure, the Lick 36” Refractor saw first light in 1888. At that time it was the most powerful telescope on earth. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. For over a century many significant discoveries were made, such as that of the fifth moon of Jupiter in 1892. In late summer of 2003, and again in fall of 2005, the close approach of Mars was studied and recorded. This impressive instrument is frequently used for public viewing and educational programs.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Exposure: unrecordedPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4029 RED TELLY
2008 July 12
Dusk begins to darken the sky in this view of the telescope pier in the 36" Great Lick Refractor dome. White desk lights have been turned off, and red observing lights bathe the interior in a strange crimson glow, enhanced by a long film exposure. It is very quiet and peaceful, inviting those within the dome to leave mundane thoughts behind. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: “Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope.”
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x, Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4 wide-angle zoom lens
f/4.0
ISO Equivalent: 125
Exposure: 120 secondsdPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH4029_RedTelly638,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH4029 LICK REFRACTOR OBSERVING
2009 October 2
The Lick 36” Refractor is seen through the encompassing eye of a 180-degree fisheye lens. It is
challenging to capture the unique ambience inside this enormous Victorian structure. Perhaps the experience is described most eloquently by early Lick Director and accomplished astronomer James Keeler in a fascinating article written for the 1888 July 6 issue of The Engineer: “Even the habitually frivolous become thoughtful when they enter the presence of the great telescope.” Both dome and telescope were technological marvels in their day, and have seen many seminal discoveries. Occasionally used in its second century for research, this venerable telescope frequently inspires visiting classes (shown here) and summer visitors with enchanting views of the heavens.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 10.5 mm f/2.8 Fisheye
ISO Equivalent: 125 / f/2.8
Exposure: 120 secondsPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH7295_Lick Refractor Observing638,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0300 36" SANTA SOX
2005 December 22
Santa and his reindeer have made a preliminary test flight to Mt. Hamilton in anticipation of their annual World Tour on December 24. Apparently, all systems are "go" -- the stockings are filled and awaiting discovery by resident children both young and old. The Lick Great Refractor has served in this capacity in the past; a similar photograph, dated 1927, is shown in the definitive Lick history entitled "Eye on the Sky" by Osterbrock et al. That vintage photo inspired this 21st century counterpart.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4.0 wide-angle zoom lens
ISO Equivalent: 100 @ f/16
Exposure: 3 secondsPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0300_36" Santa Sox1024,747Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2006 July 9
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR ~ AO/LGS
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.The Shane 120" Reflector was the second largest telescope in the world when it was completed in 1959. It bears the name of former Lick Observatory director and astronomer Donald Shane, who spearheaded its development. The mirror was originally a test blank for the Palomar 200" Reflector, then the world’s largest telescope. (Pyrex glass was invented specifically for use in these mirrors.) Although the Shane is modest in size by current standards, state-of-the-art research progresses in several fields, including the Adaptive Optics and Laser Guide-Star system shown here. Using the incomparable Hamilton Spectrograph, the Shane is a leader in discovering planets orbiting nearby stars.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4 zoom lens
ISO digital: 160 / f/4.0
Exposure: 60 secondsRead more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
Coming soon!LH0502_Laser Moon Shadow638,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2002 July
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR ~ AO/LGS
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.The Shane 120" Reflector and dome were painted with red and blue light during this five-minute exposure, transforming otherwise muted colors. Very little moonlight was present on this night, making it difficult to capture interior details on film. Thus, small red and blue key chain LED flashlights were used to illuminate telescope and dome, and to highlight structures and enhance contrast. Although white lights would have rendered actual colors more faithfully, they might have been too bright and interfered with scientific objectives. Red light is commonly used by observers when walking about or reading because it does not destroy the eye’s sensitized “night” vision, as is the case with typical white light. Therefore, it is not unusual to see red-hued telescopes in long-exposure nighttime photographs.
Note the prime focus cage on the mezzanine, lower mid right edge of the photograph.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Sigma 15mm f/4.5 semi-fisheye lens
Provia 400 Color Reversal film
Exposure: 5 minutes @ f/5.6A digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to restore fisheye distortion to a rectilinear view.
Read more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The 3-Meter Shane Reflector / Prime Focus Cage
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0058p JOSEPH MILLER SHANE 3M KAST SPECTROGRAPH
2003
Former University of California Observatories Director Joseph Miller with the Kast Spectrograph on the Lick Observatory 3m Telescope. As Director, Dr. Miller guided the observatory through the formative years of the Keck Telescopes, and launched UC's participation in the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
The Shane 120" Reflector was the second largest telescope in the world when it was completed in 1959. It bears the name of former Lick Observatory director and astronomer Donald Shane, who spearheaded its development. The mirror was originally a test blank for the Palomar 200" Reflector, then the world’s largest telescope. (Pyrex glass was invented specifically for use in these mirrors.) Although the Shane is modest in size by current standards, state-of-the-art research progresses in several fields, including adaptive optics and laser guide-star programs. The recently upgraded and highly productive William and Marina Kast Spectrograph is attached at the lower end of the telescope.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Unrecorded
Multi-frame Stitched PanoramaPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data ? US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.?
LH0058p_Joseph Miller Shane 3m Kast Spectrograph260,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0053 SHANE 3-METER CLASSIC
2002 September
The Shane 3m Reflector was the second largest telescope in the world when it was completed in 1959. It bears the name of former Lick Observatory director and astronomer Donald Shane, who spearheaded its development. The mirror was originally a test blank for the Palomar 200" Reflector, then the world’s largest telescope. (Pyrex glass was invented specifically for use in these mirrors.) Although the Shane is modest in size by current standards, state-of-the-art research progresses in several fields, including adaptive optics and laser guide-star programs. Using the incomparable Hamilton Spectrograph, the Shane is a leader in discovering planets orbiting nearby stars..
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Hasselblad 503 CW
CFI 30 f/3.5 fisheye lens
E100VS Color Reversal film, scanned-digitized
Exposure: unrecorded
Raw image file data were adjusted, optimized, and sharpened for digital output.
A digital perspective correction filter was subsequently applied to the image file to restore fisheye distortion to a rectilinear view.PUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolutiont.
LH0053_Shane 3-Meter Classic903,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2002 Winter
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR ~ AO/LGS
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.HDR IMAGING (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging
This panorama encompasses a vertical, circular sweep of approximately 120°. Imagine that you are taking this picture and looking at the telescope dome. The moon would actually be shining on the back of your shoulders! The image is a composite of eleven separate 60mm x 70mm medium format exposures. They range from one minute in duration for telescope, dome, and laser, to five minutes each for five successive vertical star trail shots. To ensure clarity of detail, the moon was exposed on yet another frame for only a fraction of a second – the moon is surprisingly bright. Film is limited in its ability to capture a broad range of light conditions, and night shots can be particularly finicky. Thus the only means of representing all light values present was to shoot various areas separately. All transparencies were then scanned, and digitally stitched together on a computer using Photoshop, requiring over 160 hours of "digital darkroom" time.
In the right parking area, an “aircraft spotter” is positioned to watch for planes in the vicinity. Staring directly into the 12-watt laser beam could injure a pilot’s eyes, although this possibility is extremely remote, if not virtually impossible. Nevertheless, extra care is taken to avoid any harm. Armed with a kill switch, the spotter can extinguish the laser at any time. The Observatory works closely with the Air Force Space Command and Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that no satellites or aircraft will be in the immediate area during laser propagation, so the spotter doesn’t get to use the switch very often. Because of the long time exposure, the bright red light on the kill switch has illuminated the spotter. Red areas on the pavement on either side of the spotter probably represent a short period of time when the spotter left her chair and walked about with the switch. Only the red light shows on film due to its brightness; the spotter’s clothing did not reflect enough moon light to register on film as was the case when she was sitting still in the chair.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii
75mm f/2.8 lens
Provia 100 & 400 Color Reversal film
Exposures: 1 to 5 minutes @ f/5.6 & f/8This is a High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDR) composite made from eleven separate film scans; see description above for details. It should be noted that the scene appears as the photographer witnessed it with the exception of star trails and the spotter's flashlight trail (see above). Because the eye can only integrate light for 1/10 second, the photographer saw point sources, while the camera's five-minute exposure recorded star and light trails.
Read more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The 3-Meter Shane Reflector / Prime Focus Cage
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2006 July 10
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR ~ AO/LGS
Many celestial images are very faint, such as those that lie in the most remote regions of the universe. Earth’s turbulent atmosphere blurs celestial images that arrive at the telescope, making observation and analysis difficult. But an extraordinary new technology is revolutionizing ground-based astronomy. This 12-watt laser beam creates a bright “artificial star“ high in the atmosphere, along the line of sight to the object being observed. Astronomers then measure the atmospheric disturbance, or twinkling in the artificial star, and make rapid counter-corrections by continually deforming a small flexible mirror in the light path. Both laser “star” and faint target object then come into precise focus, yielding substantially better data than would otherwise be possible.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 zoom lens
ISO digital: 160 / f/4.0
Exposure: 90 secondsRead more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quotePHOTO GIFTS:
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2006 July 8
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
ADAPTIVE OPTICS / LASER GUIDE STAR ~ AO/LGS
Two of the most advanced technologies in astronomy are represented in this two-minute digital time exposure. In this view looking east from Observatory Peak, a 12-watt yellow sodium laser emanates from the Shane 3-meter Reflector dome, located on Tycho Brahe Peak. It is a component in the world’s first scientifically successful and highly specialized Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics system. This technology enables astronomers to reduce the effects of atmospheric distortion, yielding celestial data so improved that they rival those of space-based telescopes. With a telescope mirror only slightly smaller than the Shane 3-meter, the newly constructed and more efficient 2.4-meter Automated Planet Finder dome is located directly in front of the Shane. Fully robotic and equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph optimized for precision Doppler measurements, it will enable off-site astronomers to detect rocky planets of Earth-size masses within our local galactic neighborhood. On Huygens Peak at foreground left, the silver dome of the 0.6-meter Tauchmann Reflector reveals the brilliant light of a waxing gibbous moon. Note the muted apricot-colored glow on the shadowed left rims of the Shane and APF domes. This is reflected light from the deep yellow low-pressure sodium street lamps in nearby Silicon Valley.A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/5.0
Exposure: 123 secondsRead more about LASER GUIDE STAR: Terrestrial Photography. This is primarily a discussion about the creation of two of my 2007 Keck Observatory laser images that illustrate author Robert Irion's feature article "Homing in on Black Holes" in the 2008 April Smithsonian Magazine. Although the image on this page did not appear in the magazine, logistics of photographing the laser still apply.
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Automated Planet Finder Telescope
Lick Observatory and City Lighting
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
FINE ART PRINTS:
Available now ►Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0027 3 METER GLOW DOME
2000 October
Fresh paint on the Shane 120" Reflector dome inspired this study in structural arcs, textures, and reflected light. Years ago all of Lick’s domes were painted silver. However, engineers determined that sunlight absorbed by the silver dome skin was generating excess heat inside the dome. Telescope mirrors and lenses warmed and expanded unnecessarily, and distorted the few photons that were arriving from distant celestial objects. Because lens and mirror curvature is measured in millionths of an inch, even a small temperature change can be very destructive to the quality of data. Dome surface treatments are continually being tested in efforts to further minimize effects of solar radiation. For now, this shiny white painted surface is the most effective method. It pleases photographers as well.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 70-210mm f/4.5 zoom lens
Kodak Supra 100 Color Negative film
Exposure: unrecordedPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0027_3 Meter Glow Dome1024,768Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIA2008 February 20
AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA 2008:
Highway 130 nowhere exceeds a 7% grade in its west-side ascent to the summit. This allowed 19th century horses to pull heavy wagons up the 19-mile trek. Now the winding road is favored by bicyclists. At far left below the Lick 36" Refractor dome is Levi Leipheimer, winner of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. 20 FEB 2008
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 125 / f/4.5
Exposure: 1/400 secondCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
LH2220_Amgen Tour 2008686,960Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH2260 WALLFLOWERS 36" DOME
2008 May 10
This robust clump of Wallflowers (Erysimum) is thriving on the rocky western slope of Mt. Hamilton's summit. The Observatory’s Main Building houses the Lick 36" Refractor in the dome on the hilltop. Out of sight is the Anna Nickel 40” Reflector dome. Mt. Hamilton is home to a broad variety of plant and animal species both common and rare. Recognized by The Nature Conservancy as an exceptionally rich and diverse biological habitat, Mt. Hamilton is one of their designated Project Zones.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D2x
Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4.0 zoom lens @ f/10
ISO Equivalent: 100
Exposure: 1/320 second
Multi-Frame High Definition Range and Depth of Field Composite with localized retouchingPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Hamilton Project
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH2260_Wallflowers 36" Dome1024,680Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0025_SAN JOSE-HALL'S VALLEY PANORAMA
2003 March 24
A study in contrasts: rural Hall’s Valley and urban Santa Clara Valley enjoy a crisp spring morning of remarkable clarity. San José city center is only 11 miles away as the crow flies in this westerly view from the Lick Observatory Main Building. The driving distance is more than doubled. Just to the left of downtown, Stevens Creek Boulevard slices across the valley toward the Santa Cruz Mountains. The long runway at Mineta San José International Airport is at far right. Do you recognize other landmarks, or your neighborhood?
In the foreground, abundant El Niño rainfall has produced lush grass so green the foothills seem painted by an unsubtle hand. Quimby Road ascends the center hillside. The white 1880’s mansion at Joseph D. Grant County Park can be spotted in the lowlands slightly left of center. Grant Lake lies on the other side of Highway 130 on the right.
This panorama was constructed from twelve 35mm transparencies, shot from left to right, six across and two high. The lower series of six encompassed the foreground valley, the upper series recorded city and sky. Each film image was scanned and then digitally stitched with its neighbors on a computer using Photoshop software.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 zoom lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, shot at 100 ISO
Exposure: unrecorded
Multi-frame Digitally Composited PanoramaPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0025_San José-Hall's Valley Panorama1280,588Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0026_MAIN BUILDING SHADOW
2003 March 24
Early morning sun imprints a crisp shadow of the Main Building on the northwestern slope of Mt. Hamilton. The larger dome of the Lick 36" Refractor is visible in silhouette on the left, the smaller Nickel 40" Reflector dome is on the right. San José city center is 11 miles away as the crow flies; South San Francisco Bay is 18 miles away.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Pentax 67ii, 75mm f/2.8 lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, exposed at 100 ISO
Exposure: unrecordedPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
More Snow Photographs by Lick Staff
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sun / Moon Data US Naval Observatory
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LH0026_Main Building Shadow1024,696Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON SUMMIT
CALIFORNIALH0014 SAN FRANCISCO DAWN
2003 January
San Francisco greets the dawn with buildings, boats, and bridges gleaming golden in the sunlight. The city is forty miles away as seen here from the flagpole lookout on the summit of Mount Hamilton. (Driving distance is seventy miles.) Although the rust-colored towers of Golden Gate Bridge are typically obscured by haze or fog, on this morning they are visible to the left of downtown. Oakland Bay Bridge slices through Yerba Buena Island on the right. On the far right, look for Port of Oakland gantry cranes. Sausalito can be discerned above the Bay Bridge, with the famous “Sleeping Lady” profile of Mt. Tamalpias framing this North Bay vista.
A VIEW FROM LICK OBSERVATORY
Lick Observatory crowns the 4200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton above central California’s Silicon Valley. This research station serves astronomers from University of California campuses and their collaborators worldwide. Eccentric Bay Area businessman and philanthropist James Lick funded construction in the 1880’s, envisioning the Observatory as a premier astronomical facility, and also as his memorial and final resting place. Lick is entombed in the base of the Lick 36” Refractor, the most powerful telescope on the planet when built. It remains the world’s second largest refractor. The mountaintop is populated by ten telescopes which are supported by resident staff and by headquarters at UC Santa Cruz. Acclaimed for academic excellence, technical expertise, and superior instrumentation, Lick Observatory probes the expanding frontiers of space.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon N90s
Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 zoom lens
Velvia 50 Color Reversal film, at 100 ISO
Exposure: unrecordedPUBLICATIONS
This image is available in high resolution.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory Collections Project
Sincere gratitude is extended to University of California Observatories | Lick Observatory astronomers, staff, and friends for their generous and invaluable assistance in producing these images.
COPYRIGHT • All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your usage requests.
PUBLISHERS • This image is available in high resolution.
LICENSING • email comment / inquiry
FINE ART PRINTS • Email for size options and price quote14_San Francisco Dawn1024,615Price On Request -
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LICK OBSERVATORY
MOUNT HAMILTON
CALIFORNIALICK OBSERVATORY POPUP CARD
INTRODUCTION
The card interior photomontage was compiled in the "computer darkroom". Elements were selected from over 75 of my favorite photographs of Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, the Sierra range, and beyond. These image fragments were digitally composited into a quasi-realistic (but fanciful) montage depicting an early springtime visit to Mt. Hamilton, in late afternoon just before sunset, with a full moon rising in the east above Half Dome. The original source photographs were acquired during the years 2000 to 2007.
In early spring, a multitude of wildflowers can be found blooming at all elevations on Mt. Hamilton, including the often chilly and windy summit. High elevation snowfall is fairly common even in late spring months, and robust purple lupines and yellow buttercups are sometimes cloaked in snow on the rocky slopes of the highway road cuts around the Observatory buildings. One can travel though several weeks of seasonal variation condensed into the one-hour ascent from Silicon Valley to the 4200-foot summit. Within that short period of time, one might see relatively late-blooming Mariposa Lilies at lower elevations, early-season Hounds Tongues popping out at mid-level—and hardy cold-weather buttercups and lupines just emerging under frost at the top. Thus, I’ve grouped a broad-ranging collection of wildflowers together here.
Folded card dimensions: 8.25" x 5.25"
LARGER FULL FRAME VIEWS and EXPANDED DESCRIPTIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
University of California Observatories
The History of Lick Observatory
The photographer thanks UCO / Lick Observatory staff and friends for their continual and enthusiastic support.
Co-produced by University of California Observatories and Laurie Hatch Photography
© 2007 LaurieHatch.com ~ images and text
© 2007 CustomPopups.com ~ printed in Canada
COPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Lotus Baker, Director of Visitor Services on Mt. Hamilton, who first showed me PopUp samples collected at a trade show, and encouraged me to make a PopUp card for Lick Observatory. Lotus contributed her creative talent and insight to the design concept.
Maureen McLean, Assistant Director for Business Administration, University of California Observatories, who shared the whacky vision and fun, and fully supported the project.
Michael Bolte, Director, University of California Observatories, who said YES!! LET'S DO IT!
Crystal Goodman, my patient and helpful project liaison, and the talented Staff at Custom PopUps, who collaborated on design and engineering, and who repaired my 11th-hour boo-boos.
CARD PURCHASE: LICK OBSERVATORY GIFT SHOP
Call 408.274.5061 ~ 12:30 to 5:00 pm weekdays / 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekends,
Or email giftshop@ucolick.org for ordering / shipping information.Card & Stationery Envelope price is $6.75 [CA tax included]
Shipping costs will be added: calculate for a 6.5" x 9.5" manilla envelope @ 2 oz.Folded card dimensions: 5.25" x 8.25", with A9 white envelope 5.75" x 8.75".
Credit Card orders are accepted by phone only. Please do not email CC number.
Checks should be made out to UC Regents.
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MOUNT WHITNEY
SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS
LONE PINE
CALIFORNIA2013 September 22
The sun has just set behind Keeler Needle, elevation 14260 ft/4346 meters. Mt. Whitney is on the right, and is the tallest peak in the lower 48 United States with an elevation of 14505 ft/4,421 meters.
Keeler Needle is named for the superbly talented astronomer James Edward Keeler (September 10, 1857 – August 12, 1900). He assisted Samuel P. Langley on the Mt. Whitney expedition of 1881, in order to precisely measure radiation from the Sun from a site above much of the Earth's atmosphere. Since access to the summit was quite difficult in those days, the expedition camp was established at the 11,000 foot level from which the required observations were made. Nevertheless, Keeler and a companion hiked to the summit of Mt. Whitney and spent the night there, taking measurements of temperature and barometric pressure every hour through the night. Keeler reported that this was "the most miserable night of my life."
Keeler went on to make many important astronomical discoveries, and became the second Director of University of California's Lick Observatory. His extremely productive career was tragically cut short by a stroke and his untimely death at age 42.
Astronomy buffs will also want to read about former Lick Observatory Director W. W. Campbell's 1909 Expedition to the summit of Mt. Whitney, to make precise measurements which would definitively determine whether the atmosphere of Mars had a significant amount of water vapor.
EXPOSURE DATA
Nikon D800E
Nikkor 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens
ISO digital: 100 / f/16
Exposure: 1/50 secondCOPYRIGHT
All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
W. W. Campbell's 1909 Mars Expedition to Mt. Whitney, by Donald E. Osterbrock
University of California Observatories
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Available now Email for size options and price quote
PHOTO GIFTS:
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Exit Stack View
