High winds up to 114 mph on Christmas Day tore away roughly half the shutter from the dome housing the 137-year-old, 36-inch Great Refractor at Lick Observatory, sending debris onto the Great Hall roof. The telescope itself was not struck, but its lenses and electrical systems are exposed to the elements. Modern research telescopes on Mount Hamilton were not directly damaged. UCSC staff have closed the site temporarily and are stabilizing the building while planning restoration; updates will be posted on the observatory website.
Historic Lick Observatory Damaged by 114 mph Winds on Christmas Day
Winds gusting up to 114 miles per hour on Christmas Day caused significant damage to the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, the University of California, Santa Cruz said.
What Happened
About half of the shutter on the dome that houses the 137-year-old, 36-inch Great Refractor collapsed and fell onto the roof of the observatory's Great Hall. The university temporarily closed the facility while crews assess and stabilize the site.
Impact on Telescopes and Facilities
Officials said the Great Refractor itself was not struck by the falling shutter, but its lenses and electrical systems are now exposed and vulnerable to rain and weather. More modern research telescopes located elsewhere on Mount Hamilton escaped direct damage and will continue scientific operations.
Lick Observatory’s multi-ton shutter section fell outward onto the roof of the Great Hall, crushing several structural beams. (Photo courtesy of UC Santa Cruz)
Response and Next Steps
UCSC staff are prioritizing immediate stabilization of the affected building, putting measures in place to prevent further damage, and planning the restoration work required to protect instruments and infrastructure. The observatory is evaluating restoration needs and will set a timeline for reopening to the public when it is safe to do so.
“This was a frightening moment for our staff,” said UC Observatories Deputy Director Matthew Shetrone. “They sheltered together through the storm, and when it finally broke, everyone was safe, but the spiritual core of our observatory had been damaged. What followed was a remarkable response by staff to protect the telescope and stabilize the site.”
Context and History
The observatory, located near San Jose, was originally funded by a donation from San Francisco philanthropist James Lick. It narrowly escaped near-destruction in a 2020 wildfire; officials say this high-wind event represents the most severe damage the facility has sustained in its 137-year history.
Updates and further information will be posted on the Lick Observatory website as assessments and repairs proceed.
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