The observatory at Mount Hamilton relies on around 30 dedicated staff who manage telescope operations and assist researchers at all hours. Resident astronomer Dr. Paul Lynam emphasizes the compelling history of the observatory, which was founded by 19th-century mogul James Lick. Initially planning a monument for himself, Lick instead invested his fortune into building a powerful telescope and directed that his body be buried beneath it upon his death in 1876, exemplifying his commitment to the project and its legacy.
Today, about 30 observatory staff live at the top of the mountain nearby, so their supportive hands are available to respond to any issues with the telescopes while the astronomers are conducting research even in the sparkling twilight hours.
The story of how this observatory came to be is very compelling. And the more you read about it, the more it draws you in,
Lick instead dedicated his fortune - $700,000, which would be equivalent to tens of millions today - to build what was at the time the world's most "powerful telescope, superior to and more powerful than any telescope ever yet made," according to a trust document.
He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in San Francisco for 11 years while the observatory was being constructed.
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