One great little story - A tour of Palomar Observatory

When I looked up the path from the parking lot, I thought, "I think I can, I think I can!" A nearby man in the car next to me said it was a bit of a walk (this picture is half way up) and I could not even see it yet. He said, too, that there was a big bunch of stairs to get into it but there were landings to rest on. So, I said to him, "I can do this!"

After a visit to a great visitor's center with all kinds of astonomical information, I headed up the hill. When I got almost to the top of the path, two nice things happened: (1) There was a bench to catch my breath and (2) There was a sign that pointed to the back of the observatory for wheelchair access (I knew this must mean there were NO stairs). So, I headed up to the back. When I got there I found a sign on a locked door -- You could only get in at 11:00, 1:00 and 2:30. It was a few minutes past 2:00. I decided I would wait.

About three minutes later two men came out of the door. The second man, Scott Kardel, asked if I was waiting to come in. I said I was and then he said I did not have to wait because he would let me in. Well, the great little story was that he is the Public Affairs Coordinator -- he knows everything you would want to know about the Observatory. He does tours, their website, (it is pretty cool - see it at http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomarnew/), and all things to educate the public. And, the next thing I knew I was standing below the HHHHUUUUUUGGGGGGEEEEEE telescope! (Note: those people who climb the stairs in the front get to look through a big window to see it.)

Scott offered to answer any question I wanted since he knew most everything there was to know. So, I asked him my most analytical and sophisticated question -- ever seen any UFOs? "No, he tells me, but they do try to watch for anything out there that changes."

This is one place where all the action is at night. They work during the day to make sure everything is ready for night. This particular night they were expecting some fog -- and on my way back down I saw some of it coming. I tried to ask a few more questions but I sure wish Kevin was with me. He would have had a bunch.

And, then Scott gave me a ride back to the parking lot. I was thrilled at the tour and my visit to Palomar Observatory. Did you know it was owned by CalTech? I know....thanks to Scott.