When I was thinking about applying for the Keck position, I went to the Shane telescope to study their laser guide star... (Their system is very similar to Keck's)... I just emailed the people in charge and set up an appointment... I think most scientists enjoy showing their toys and what they do... I love showing and explaining my (OK Keck's) laser to visitors.

In my experience you just need to ask the right people and you will get to see amazing things... If you come across as a genuine enthusiast you will be welcomed...

Contrary to the "Ivory tower intellectual" stereotype that is so popular, the VAST majority of scientists love to see the public interested in what they do... ANY scientist/researcher that is worth anything, loves to talk about what they do and explain it in laymens terms....

Einstein once said something to the effect that if you cannot explain something to the person on the street in a way they can understand then you dont understand it yourself...

He also said " a society that scorns excellence in plumbing, yet accepts shoddiness in philosophy will have neither pipes or theories that hold water"
<that isnt a direct quote....>

If you are an enthusiast, do some research and ask the right people for a tour... I will bet you will get one.

anyway... I was there at Shane when this guy was... he was an airplane spotter, and an astronomy enthusiast... I saw the LGS though his scope.... Here is the link to his experience....

Laser guide star