## A Sunny Monday at Palomar Observatory: A Journey of Discovery
Image: Walk up to the Dome of the Hale Telescope
On a sunny Monday in July of 2024, I found myself at Palomar Observatory (managed by Caltech, where nerds sing Happy Birthday to each other in Romulan, I have been told), a place steeped in astronomical history. The observatory grounds were open to the public even though tours of the telescope are only available on the weekends (Book here: https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/visitor/). I walked through the entrance and somehow was filled with awe and curiosity. How can something material have such an inanimate effect on you? The sun sizzled overhead, casting long shadows on the towering telescopes that have peered into the depths of the universe for decades. My visit to this iconic site, followed by an exhilarating glider flight over the observatory, was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for the cosmos and the pioneering work done at Palomar.
### The Silent Giants of Palomar
Image: Equipment of the ancient astronomer - film camera, paper logbook, and stereomicroscope to identify moving objects
The museum was open, and pictures along the wall with exhibits displaying Palomar's journey from the casing of the 200-inch Pyrex mirror to the significant discoveries produced there. One of the most fascinating aspects was its role in finding the first brown dwarf star in 1995. Brown dwarfs are celestial objects that occupy the intriguing middle ground between stars and planets. They’re the cosmic equivalent of that friend who always tries to join in the game but never quite gets the rules. They try to fuse hydrogen, like their older siblings, the stars, but they just don't have the mass to pull it off. So they just sort of hang out, radiating a bit of heat, like a cosmic hot potato that’s not quite hot enough to be interesting. They're the underachievers of the universe, but hey, nobody's perfect. The 60-inch telescope at Palomar was instrumental in identifying these elusive objects, expanding our understanding of the diversity of celestial bodies in the universe. (https://w.astro.berkeley.edu/~basri/bdwarfs/SciAm-book.pdf)
### Pioneering Infrared Astronomy
Another remarkable contribution of Palomar Observatory is its pioneering work in infrared astronomy. Gerry Neugebauer, who served as the Director of Palomar Observatory from 1980 to 1994, was a trailblazer in this area (https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/remembering-gerry-neugebauer-43976). Along with Eric Becklin, Neugebauer used both satellite and ground-based instruments to identify thousands of infrared sources and made the first observations of the center of our galaxy. This work was groundbreaking because it allowed astronomers to see through cosmic dust and study objects that are invisible in optical wavelengths. By observing in the infrared spectrum, astronomers can study the formation of stars and planets, investigate the properties of distant galaxies, and uncover the mysteries of the early universe. The museum had a dedicated section on infrared astronomy, showcasing the instruments used and the discoveries made. Btw, you can feel infrareewd radiation from the Sun as heat on your skin.
### The Debate Over Pluto's Status
Image: If you see this man, ask him about Pluto or Planet X (Mike Brown, aka Plutokiller. Credit: NASA)
One of the most intriguing stories associated with Palomar Observatory is its unexpected connection to the debate over Pluto's planetary status. In 2005, Mike Brown, a Caltech astronomer, used the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Schmidt telescope at Palomar to discover an object beyond Neptune's orbit that would eventually be named Eris. This discovery was a turning point in our understanding of the solar system and sparked a heated debate over what constitutes a planet.
The discovery of Eris and other trans-Neptunian objects led to the reclassification of Pluto as a "dwarf planet." This decision by the International Astronomical Union in 2006 was controversial and remains a topic of debate among astronomers and the public alike. The museum had an interactive exhibit on this topic, allowing visitors to explore the criteria for planetary classification and the implications of this reclassification. Reflecting on this, I realized that Palomar Observatory had played a pivotal role in reshaping our understanding of the solar system. The observatory's contributions have expanded our knowledge of distant celestial objects and prompted us to reconsider fundamental definitions and classifications. As this saga continues, astronomers have put forth a new definition for what a planet is, given that we have discovered more than 5,000 exoplanets: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/scientific-definition-planet-says-it-must-orbit-our-sun-new-proposal-would-change.
### Female Trailblazers
Eleanor Helin was a pioneering astronomer at Palomar Observatory who dedicated her career to the study and discovery of near-Earth objects (NEOs). In the early 1970s, she initiated the Palomar Planet-Crossing Asteroid Survey (PCAS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palomar_Planet-Crossing_Asteroid_Survey), a program responsible for discovering thousands of asteroids, including a significant percentage of known NEOs. Helin's work was instrumental in raising awareness about the potential threat of asteroid impacts and the importance of identifying and tracking these objects. Among her many notable discoveries are the first two Aten asteroids, a class of asteroids with orbits that bring them close to Earth, and numerous Apollo asteroids, which also have Earth-crossing orbits. Helin's contributions to astronomy and planetary defense have been widely recognized, with asteroid 3267 Glo named in her honor. Not enough is shared about the work of female astronomers, and I want to make an effort to find out about them whenever I visit observatories.
### Inside the Dome: Admiring the Hale Telescope
After exploring the museum, I made my way to the dome housing the 200-inch Hale Telescope, one of the largest and most powerful optical telescopes in the world, still. Stepping inside the dome, I was struck by its sheer size and engineering marvel. This iconic instrument has been at the forefront of astronomical research since its completion in 1948, contributing to numerous groundbreaking discoveries. You can see the polar orientation. Swing this monster!
Image: Warmung Suit (24 Volts)
The telescope's massive mirror and intricate mechanisms were a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. As I admired the telescope, I thought about the countless nights astronomers have spent observing the cosmos, uncovering the secrets of distant galaxies, nebulae, and stars. I felt a profound connection to the astronomers who have used this instrument to peer into the depths of the universe. I also thought about how they must have shivered on cold nights. Luckily, they had a warming suit.
### Soaring Over Palomar
After spending time inside the dome, I embarked on the next part of my adventure: a glider flight over the observatory. As I soared high above the landscape, the observatory's iconic domes and telescopes came into view, nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Palomar Mountain Range. The experience of gliding silently through the air, with the observatory below me, was magical.
From my vantage point, I could see the full extent of the observatory's facilities. The lush forests and rugged mountains surrounding the observatory created a stunning backdrop, highlighting the harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world. It was a reminder that our quest for knowledge is deeply connected to the environment in which we live.
### A Day of Reflection and Inspiration
As my glider gently descended back to the airstrip, (Thanks to gravity, all of the gliders have come down, my pilot quippred) I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to visit Palomar Observatory. The observatory's rich history and its contributions to astronomy are a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. From discovering brown dwarfs to pioneering infrared astronomy, Palomar Observatory has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the solar system and universe.
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