[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LICK OBSERVATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2026

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th Anniversary 
of the Lick Observatory.
  In 1876, the United States Congress granted public land to the 
University of California for the purpose of establishing an 
observatory. Califolnia's wealthiest citizen of the time, real estate 
entrepreneur James Lick bestowed $700,000 to the University of 
California's astronomy department. With an investment equivalent to 
$1.2 billion in contemporary value, James Lick created a legacy of 
scientific research and advancement.
  The Lick Observatory has been a bastion of groundbreaking discoveries 
in astronomy since its completion in 1888. The Great Refractor, the 
site's famous 36-inch diameter telescope, was instrumental to E.E. 
Barnard's discovery of Jupiter's fifth moon, Amalthea. Another 
instrument, the 20-inch Double Astrograph, was used to chart skies and 
count distant galaxies. The Lick Northern Proper Motion program measure 
systematic patterns in the Milky Way Galaxy.
  Through the decades, the Lick Observatory has freely shared its 
research with international academic institutions and the surrounding 
Bay Area community. It serves as an experimentation site for technical 
instrument improvement. They organize programs like the Scientific 
Teaching through Astronomy Research (STARs) and Institute for Scientist 
and Engineer Educators (ISEE) that advance STEM education and careers. 
Its summer visitor's program hosts lectures and viewings for thousands 
of visitors to observe the universe through cutting edge technology.
  In its 150-year history, the Lick Observatory has survived challenges 
to its instruments' longevity and the observatory's ability to offer 
hands-on programs. The site survived a plane crash, earthquake damage, 
and wildfire destruction. On Christmas morning, a rainstorm destroyed 
half of the Great Refractor's shutter dome. Time and time again, the 
Observatory has rebuilt. I want to recognize the 29 dedicated 
individuals who spent their holidays working on recovery efforts for 
the site. Their hard work represents how beloved the Lick Observatory 
is to the community.
  I wish to congratulate the Lick Observatory for 150 years of 
outstanding scientific contributions and meaningful community building 
in the Bay Area. Spanning generations of Californians, the Lick 
Observatory inspires exploration in astronomy and engages the 
innovative curiosity of the community.

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