The Lick Observatory: Building the Foundation of Astrophysics

Abstract

The emerging science of astrophysics began in the early nineteenth Century. Astronomy leading up to this moment was based on empirical observations and astrometry. Two distinct observational techniques changed astronomy and society forever: spectroscopy and astrophotography. These became the basic tools and instruments for the new science of astrophysics. The building of the Lick Observatory is an underappreciated event that impacted astronomy and astrophysics. Prior to this, astrophysics had three limitations: the instruments, the building, and the staff of astronomers. The building of the Lick Observatory changed all three and as a result built a solid foundation for the growth of modern astrophysics.