PSM2023 Logistics

Cahill Center/NE Corner

Cahill Logistics

Address

The Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics is located on the South perimeter of the Caltech Campus, at 1216 E California Blvd, adjacent to the Keith Spalding Bldg and the Caltech athletic facilities (Google Maps link).

The Cahill center was designed by Thom Mayne's architectural firm Morphosis (see the Morphosis Cahill summary), and dedicated in January 2009. Most consider Cahill striking in its architecture, and is described as "impossible to miss" (and otherwise) in this architectural review in the Los Angeles Times.

Meeting Location

The PSM on-campus sessions will meet at the Hameetman Auditorium (adjacent to the Cahill NE corner entrance). The auditorium seats approximately 150, and is located on the first floor East side of Cahill.

Parking

Auto-Pay Kiosk/Parking Structure 3

For non-Caltech visitors, the biggest logistical issue will be parking.

Cahill is in close proximity (~50 m) to Caltech's Parking Structure #3. Parking in Structure 3 requires a parking pass—of either the Caltech or visitor variety. Visitor parking passes can be obtained at various places around campus—the most convenient being the auto-kiosk at the SE corner of Structure 3 (pictured right).

For more parking information please see:

• Caltech Parking Website
• Caltech Visitor Parking Instructions
• Caltech Campus Map (PDF)
• Caltech Parking Structure #3 (Google Maps)

Other Logistics Items

Here are some other items (e.g. dining, lodging, local attractions) that may facilitate or enrich your visit:

• Lodging: Nearby lodging/accommodations (Google Maps search)
• Food: Caltech on-campus dining resources such as Browne (formerly Chandler) dining hall and the iconic Red Door are summarized here.
• More Food: Nearby (off-campus) dining (Google Maps search)
• Pasadena visitors page (targeted at Pasadena visitors)

Palomar Logistics

Map of Southern California and Palomar Observatory. (Palomar/Caltech)

Address

Driving Directions

This Google Maps link will do a good job of providing custom directions (see "Get directions").

Please be aware that some on-line and GPS programs can give incorrect directions to Palomar Observatory. We recommend consulting the Google Maps link given above.

If the Google link above doesn't help, please use the directions below.

From Los Angeles/Pasadena drive on 210 eastbound until Interstate 15. Take I-15 toward San Diego. Exit Interstate 15 at state highway 76 eastbound. Follow the signs to Palomar Mountain. Twenty five miles (40 km) from the interchange, County Road S6 (also known as South Grade Road) exits (5 miles/8 km past Valley Center Road) in a "Y" to the left and climbs to the Palomar summit. S6 ends at the Observatory gates.

We have road maps to help you find your way here:

• Southern California road map [jpg, pdf]
• Palomar Observatory on Google Maps

Special Note: SD County has announced that Valley Center Road will be closed on 03 June 2023 to support a Valley Center event ("Western Days"). Travelers approaching Palomar from the south will want to plan accordingly.

Meeting Location

The PSM Palomar session will take place in the Palomar Outreach Center (the old Palomar Mountain School building), 880 feet (270 meters) outside the Observatory gates. On the right is a map that shows its location with respect other Observatory buildings. We request PSM participants park at the OC parking lot

Important Notes

• County Road S6 is a mountain road with many curves. Please drive carefully. Watch for fog, fallen rocks on the road, especially during and immediately after rainfall. Travel on Highway 76 and South Grade Road (S6) may be difficult during and just after rain events. Road closures and rock/mud slides are possible at these times.
• There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain. Check your fuel before driving to the Observatory.
• Approximate driving times (non-rush hour) to the Observatory from Los Angeles/Pasadena is 3 hours.

Current Information on Road Conditions

Please check the following links:

• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), phone 800-427-7623.
• Google map with traffic information.
• San Diego County Department of Public Works and scheduled road closures.