Astronomy in South Bay

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Lick Observatory (San Jose)

The observatory is at the top of Mt Hamilton (4200 ft).  It is home to the Shane 3-meter Reflector that is used by many different astronomers from the University of California system for observing the solar system and galaxies. Shane 3-meter Telescope Building is open for self-guided tours of exhibits and viewing the telescope through a window.

NASA Ames Exploration Center (Mountain View)

The facility has multiple interactive exhibits and scientific videos covering astronomy and space travel as well as other topics. It houses the largest immersive theater on the west coast that presents at least four different movies and special 3D effects on a curved 40 foot wide screen.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (San Jose)

The museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the west coast and a planetarium. Entrance fee includes the planetarium movie. They have free parking in their parking lot, located on the corner of Naglee and Chapman (one block east of the Museum).