The Pavilion
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One of the most frequently-asked questions about the observatory concerns the problems associated with Light Pollution. Another frequently-asked question is, ``Why can't visitors go into the domes?'' While this virtual tour provides access into all of the primary buildings at the Observatory, on-site visitors only have access to the Visitors' Gallery of the 100-inch telescope. However, there is this anecdote:
Historical Highlight
(by Don Nicholson):In the late 1930s, the custodian at Mount Wilson was a very hard- working, dedicated man named Charlie Dustman. Now Charlie was the only person on the mountain who looked as if he were an employee of the Observatory. He was wearing overalls and carrying a broom while the staff were dressed like tourists. As a result, it was Charlie who was always stopped by visitors with questions; the most common of which was, ``I'm a taxpayer, why can't I get into any of the buildings?'' Charlie would patiently explain that they were dedicated to scientific research and that a continuous stream of visitors would create unwanted distractions. Besides, the Observatory was owned and operated by the Carnegie Institution and had no connection with the government. Usually this answer would suffice, but one day a very persistent and obnoxious visitor kept insisting that he had a right as a taxpayer to entry. After repeating his standard response several times, Charlie, in desperation, ended the conversation by asking in a quiet but firm voice, ``Let me see your tax receipt.''
Further to the East are the remains of a petting zoo which was operated by Metromedia in the late 1960's.
The tour continues to the Museum
Topics
Light Pollution
Control Panel
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