Palomar Mountain Observatory

The Palomar Mountain Observatory is located about 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California. It holds the 200 in Hale telescope which was the largest optical telescope in the world when it was completed in 1948. George Hale, an astronomer, conceived the project and obtained funding in 1928. It took 20
years to construct due to delays from World War II and the length of time needed to grind, polish and test the huge glass disk which became the primary mirror. The dedication ceremony was held on June 3, 1948 and the stamp was issued to honor the dedication shortly thereafter on August 30, 1948. The Hale telescope held the record as the largest telescope for more than 30 years. It is still used on a regular basis for astronomical research today.