Astronomers rely for their data on light that reaches Earth across the vast distances that separate us from the stars. Whether to capture an image of a galaxy, measure the color of a star, or decipher the contents of a comet's tail, our understanding of the cosmos depends on our ability to detect light.

From Eyeballs to Electrons traces the evolution of the tools and techniques with which astronomers detect and record light, the profound effect their development has had on astronomy, and Lick Observatory's important role in the story.

Part I of the exhibit begins with astronomy's first detector, the human eye, and ends with photography's long reign as the prinicpal means of recording starlight. Part II (in preparation) will describe the development of electronic detectors, culminating in the digital age.

EXHIBIT GUIDE ENTER PART ONE OF THE EXHIBIT