Title: The Big Eye – A Brief History of the Hale Telescope with Ken Wilson

Event Info: 
Please join us on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, for a fascinating journey into one of the great monuments of 20th-century science. We are delighted to welcome Ken Wilson, an amateur astronomer, retired planetarium director, and accomplished author, who will present "The Big Eye: A Brief History."

About the Speaker:
Ken Wilson brings a lifetime of experience in both the professional and amateur astronomy worlds to this presentation. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Astronomy degree from Swinburne University. His career has taken him to planetariums across the country, including positions in Southeast Michigan, Rochester, NY, and Richmond, VA, where he served as planetarium director at the Science Museum of Virginia . He has also taught undergraduate astronomy at a number of colleges and worked as a consultant to Edmund Scientific and Meade Instruments Corporation.

With Bob Miller, Ken co-authored the book Making and Enjoying Telescopes, a beloved guide for backyard astronomers. His writing has also appeared in leading publications, including Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, and Pacific Discovery magazines.

In recognition of his contributions to astronomy and science communication, asteroid 84951 was named Kenwilson in his honor . This main-belt asteroid, discovered in 2003, is approximately 4 kilometers in diameter—comparable in size to the island of Manhattan .

About the talk:
Before the famous Apollo moonshots of the 1960s captured the world's imagination, the largest American "big science" project was undoubtedly the creation of the giant 200-inch Hale Telescope on Mt. Palomar . Ken Wilson will trace the amazing history of this iconic instrument, affectionately known as the "Big Eye." The talk will explore not only the monumental engineering challenges and triumphs of its construction—from the casting of its massive Pyrex mirror to its pioneering horseshoe mount—but also its deep ties to amateur astronomy and the many cultural connections that have made the Hale Telescope a lasting symbol of human curiosity and achievement .

This talk comes with the highest possible endorsement from one of ASLI's own long-time members, Steve Bellavia. Steve has enthusiastically recommended Ken Wilson's presentation, and knowing Steve's discerning eye for quality astronomy content, we are certain this will be a talk you won't want to miss!

Clear skies!