History C. Donald Shane telescope

the dome housing shane telescope

for lick observatory s first 55 years of operation, astronomers relied on 2 telescopes built in 19th century. once considered giants in field, had become obsolete. international competition mounting. 120-inch reflector addition took 15 years complete, being completed in 1959. second-largest telescope in world, taking place behind enormous 200-inch palomar hale telescope.