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Christmas Windstorm Devastates Lick Observatory, Leaves Damage Assessment

12/27/2025

47 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Christmas windstorm damaged Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California, with gusts up to 114 mph.
Winds tore off half the shutter on the Great Refractor dome.
The fallen shutter crushed several structural beams on the Great Hall roof.
UC Santa Cruz staff are stabilizing the building and assessing damage before reopening to the public.
The lenses and electrical systems of the Great Refractor telescope remain at risk from rain.

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Story summary

A Christmas windstorm damaged Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California, with gusts up to 114 mph.
Winds tore off half the shutter on the Great Refractor dome.
The fallen shutter crushed several structural beams on the Great Hall roof.
UC Santa Cruz staff are stabilizing the building and assessing damage before reopening to the public.
The lenses and electrical systems of the Great Refractor telescope remain at risk from rain.