La Posta Astro-Geophysical Observatory

The observatory features a 60-foot radio telescope dish situated at 3,900 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountains, 65 miles east of San Diego.

Constructed in 1964, the facility operated until 1986 and contributed to Apollo missions by monitoring solar activity that could affect spacecraft communications.

Scientists and researchers at the observatory conducted studies in solar radio mapping and developed specialized equipment for microwave research and ionospheric forecasting.

The facility operated through a turbine-powered alternator system due to limited power supply from the national grid, with control operations managed from a building beneath the dish.

Local residents named the inactive radio telescope dish 'the Pterodactyl Birdbath' before its complete dismantling in late 2015.

Location: San Diego County

Inception: 1964

GPS coordinates: 32.67770,-116.43600

Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52