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THE LICK OBSERVATORY. | 13 |
| They are the gift of Hon. D. O. Mills, for use on an astronomical expedition to the southern hemisphere. |
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There are, besides, many minor pieces of apparatus, including spectroscopes, seismographs, clocks, chronographs, dynamo, storage battery, etc. |
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The magnifying power of the great telescope may be changed from about 270 to 3000 by changing the eye-pieces, in very much the same way that the magnifying power of a microscope may be changed. The power employed depends upon the object under observation and upon the state of the atmosphere. |
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The height of the marble floor of the main building above mean sea-level is 4209 feet. On a closely connected peak half a mile to the east of the Observatory, and 50 feet higher, are the reservoirs from which water for household and photographic purposes is distributed. A spring about 350 feet below and one mile to the northeast of the Observatory supplies excellent water. Another peak seven eighths of a mile to the east is the summit of Mount Hamilton; it is 180 feet higher than the Observatory, and supports the reservoirs supplying power for moving the dome, raising the movable floor, and winding the driving clock of the great telescope. This system receives its supply from the winter rains falling on the roofs; the water being pumped to the reservoirs on the higher peak by means of windmills. |
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The movable floor in the dome is the first of the kind to be constructed. It is 60 feet in diameter, and can be raised or lowered through a distance of 161/2 feet, its purpose being to bring the observer within convenient reach of the eye end of the telescope. |
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| Page 11 | Page 12 | Index | Page 14 | Page 15 |