HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LICK OBSERVATION

On 2026-06-08, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LICK OBSERVATION" in the House.

HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LICK OBSERVATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [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. ____________________