Hale Solar Laboratory, Astronomical observatory in Pasadena, California, US.
Description
The Hale Solar Laboratory is a research facility in Pasadena built with a T-shaped structure and a telescope tower. The building houses a library, office spaces, and specialized equipment for observing the sun, including a 14-foot-diameter dome containing advanced instruments.
History
The facility was built in 1924 under the direction of George Ellery Hale and became central to early solar research. It received National Historic Landmark status in 1989 to recognize its important contributions to astronomy.
Culture
The entrance features Egyptian-inspired stone carvings by sculptor Lee Lawrie, showing sun rays that end in hands holding ancient symbols. These artworks blend scientific curiosity with artistic expression, giving the building a distinctive visual character.
Practical
The site sits on Holladay Drive near the California Institute of Technology and is fairly accessible to reach. It helps to check ahead about visiting options since this remains an active research facility.
Did you know?
The first solar magnetograph was developed here in 1952 by Harold and Horace Babcock, an instrument for measuring magnetic fields on the sun's surface. This invention opened entirely new ways to understand the magnetic structure of our star.
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