Hale Solar Laboratory facts for kids
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Hale Solar Laboratory
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The Hale Solar Laboratory entrance, with a bas relief by Lee Lawrie of the sun and its rays over the door, Pasadena, California
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 740 Holladay Drive, Pasadena, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | Johnson, Kaufman & Coate |
| Architectural style | Mission Revival—Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000103 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 23, 1986 |
| Designated NHL | December 20, 1989 |
The Hale Solar Laboratory is a special building in Pasadena, California. It was built in 1923. This place was the workshop of George Ellery Hale, a famous astronomer. He was a pioneer in studying the stars and space, a field called astrophysics. The building itself is quite unique. It mixes two cool styles: Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival. In 1989, it became a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place.
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Exploring the Hale Solar Laboratory
The Hale Solar Laboratory is in a quiet neighborhood in Pasadena. It's on private land, a bit hidden from the street. You reach it by a narrow, tree-lined path. The building is made of concrete and has a tile roof. It's shaped a bit like the letter "T".
What Does the Lab Look Like?
The long part of the "T" shape holds the telescope tower. It also has Hale's library, office, and living area. The top part of the "T" used to have special equipment. This included machines for electricity and air flow. The main door is at the base of the tower. Above the door, there is a carved picture. It shows a tribute to Akhenaten, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. He famously worshipped the sun god Aten.
The History of Solar Research
The observatory was designed by three architects. They were Reginald Davis Johnson, Gordon Kaufmann, and Roland Coate. The building was finished in 1923. Even the gardens around the lab were carefully planned. They were designed by Beatrix Farrand.
George Ellery Hale's Sun Studies
After working at the Mount Wilson Observatory, George Ellery Hale built this lab. It became his personal office and workshop. He wanted to continue his deep interest in the sun. This observatory was where Hale made big improvements to a tool called the spectrohelioscope. This amazing device allowed scientists to see detailed parts of the sun's surface.
Hale's Contributions to Science
Hale did many other important things for science. He helped start the International Astronomical Union. This is a group that brings astronomers from all over the world together. He also founded the Astrophysical Journal. This is a major science magazine. Plus, he played a key role in starting the California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech.
A National Historic Landmark
The Hale Solar Laboratory was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1989. This honor recognizes its importance in American history and science.
