Mt Hamilton Plans

The Lick Observatory effectively occupies the entire summit of Mt Hamilton, which makes finding a bedrock site with good visibility for GPS difficult.

A map of Lick Observatory shows two nearby rock outcrops, one to the north and one to the south. Both have obstructions and would require trenching across the parking lots and/or roads, which is apparently a non-trivial task.

Also shown on the map is the proposed location for the GPS antenna on the Photo Archive Building. This circa 1940 building is constructed of 12" thick poured concrete walls reinforced with square rebar. It is one of the few buildings that was not visibly damaged by the nearby 1984 Morgan Hill earthquake.

The northeast corner of the Photo Archive Building is shown in several photos. This corner is optimal due to its distance from the two telescope domes and the nearby trees. Sky visibility is clear above ~10 degrees.

The site is located directly opposite the room in the adjoining building that houses the Quanterra and frame relay telemetery equipment (the switch for the exterior spherical light is located within the room). A single 30-m antenna cable should be able to reach that room. We will be required to build a fixed ladder to reach the roof, probably extending above the existing exterior metal staircase.

For fun, check out the Lick Observatory Home page, including a Virtual Tour of the Observatory.

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