Sentinel Dome
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Sentinel Dome is a granite dome in Yosemite National Park, United States. It lies on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, 0.8 mile (1.3 km) southwest of Glacier Point and 1.4 miles (2.2 km) northeast of Profile Cliff.
The original Native American name of Sentinel Dome was "Sakkaduch". The Bunnell survey named it "South Dome", but the Whitney survey renamed it Sentinel Dome (from its likeness to a watch-tower). Today, it is considered one of the best locations in the western United States for astronomical viewing of the night sky [[Citing sources citation needed]]. The view from the top, which is the 2nd only to Half Dome in viewing of the Valley from the highest position, offers a 360 degree view of Yosemite National Park. One can see Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Basket Dome, and much more.
Sentinel Dome is best known for a Jeffrey Pine that grew from its peak (see photograph, left). The pine was photographed as early as 1867 by Carleton Watkins. The tree died during the drought in 1976. The dead tree remained standing until August, 2003.
External links and references
- [Press release about pine falling down]
- [Place names in the High Sierra: S]
- [Maps and aerial photos]
- * WikiSatellite view at [WikiMapia]
- * Topographic map from [TopoZone]
- * Aerial image from [TerraServer-USA]
- * Surrounding area map from [Google Maps]
- * Location in the United States from the [Census Bureau]
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