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Julian StarFest 2022

August 26-27, 2022  Menghini Winery, Julian, CA

Brought to you by the San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) and the town of Julian

Palomar Observatory Tours

Through the "Friends of Palomar" and CalTech, we are able to provide this "Once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to a limited number of participants.

The tour will be held on Saturday August 27, at 10:00 a.m. sharp.  Do not be late.  The tour will start on time and you cannot join the tour once it has begun.  We recommend you arrive early to allow for time to park and to make the five-minute walk to the observatory.  The total tour length including your driving time is approximately five hours. Reservations are required!

Please note: In accordance with Palomar Observatory rules, the tour is not recommended for children under six years of age.  Sorry, no pets.

Tour Description

For $40.00 per person, 30 people will be given a guided tour of the Hale 200" telescope.  This tour includes the lower observatory floor, with the massive foundation of the 530-ton telescope.  Moving up in the dome, you'll reach the main floor, where the 200" scope resides.  Get "up close and personal" with the scope.  Then move up higher into the dome, to the dome catwalk. Following the tour of the 200-inch, the group will reassemble in the outreach center (OC) nearby for lectures and discussions of Palomar Observatory history and science. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Box lunches are not available this year as Granny's Kitchen has closed.  Please plan accordingly.

To register please use this link or, for additional information, please contact us at info@julianstarfest.com


200 Inch