Early on Christmas Day 2025, winds gusting up to 114 mph tore off half the shutter on the dome of Lick Observatory's 36-inch Great Refractor on Mount Hamilton. UC Santa Cruz reported that the multi-ton piece fell onto the roof of the Great Hall and crushed several structural beams. No one was hurt, and the telescope itself was not damaged. UCSC called it the most serious damage in the observatory's 137-year history.
“Months, not weeks”
UC Observatories deputy director Matthew Shetrone said restoring the dome “will be a long process, measured in months, not weeks.” Per UCSC, the 36-inch refractor was built from 1880 to 1888. It is 57 feet long and weighs more than 25,000 pounds, and it has been the center of the observatory's public outreach.
What's open now
The observatory's visitor page says the main building is still closed for repairs. Admission is free, and select outdoor areas and the Shane Telescope Gallery, home of the 120-inch reflector, are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery has restrooms, a water fountain and vending machines. The main building's parking lot is closed for construction. A regional site, California58, reported in October that the West Peak area also remains closed.
Gift shop and holidays
The gift shop has moved for now to the Historic Diner and is open weekends, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., per the observatory. No food is served there. The observatory lists itself as closed on Thanksgiving Day and open the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after.
The drive
The observatory is more than 20 miles from downtown San Jose, up a narrow, curvy road at about 4,200 feet. There is no gas along the way, and the weather can turn cool. In winter, snow can close the road temporarily. The observatory suggests checking Caltrans conditions for Highway 130.