Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Mount Wilson Observatory, Mt Wilson
#### **Compelling talks followed by picnicking and convivial stargazing through both the big telescopes.** **Come enjoy an inspiring night on the mountain!** The evening begins with the talk at 5:30 in our Auditorium, followed by observing through both the 60- and 100-inch telescopes from dusk to 11:30PM — the two largest telescopes in the world available for public use. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available from members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Food will be available for purchase from a food truck, or bring your own picnic! ### TICKETS: $50 Please note: All ticket sales are final. We’re unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or transfers. Thank you for understanding! #### **Speaker:** Sam Hale, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Mount Wilson Institute #### Topic: The Duality of Genius and Struggle: G. E. Hale “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.” This quote is an encapsulation of George Ellery Hale’s incredible life and monumental achievements. The five astronomical telescopes he built beginning in 1897 were the largest in the world for almost one hundred years. While living in Pasadena just after the turn of the 20th century, he turned what was a community school into what became the California Institute of Technology. At the same time, he was the driving inspiration for the creation of the Huntington Library. While serving on the Planning Commission, he was a major force for the creation of the city’s elegant civic center. As we’ll learn in this talk, Hale accomplished all this and more while suffering from debilitating emotional issues. ***Sam Hale** is the grandson of Mount Wilson Observatory founder George Ellery Hale. Raised in Pasadena, he spent more than five decades in the investment management industry before dedicating his time to supporting the Observatory and its mission. Today he serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Mount Wilson Institute, helping to continue the legacy begun by his grandfather in 1904.*