In 1888 he became one of the inaugural astronomers at Lick Observatory.

As a graduate student, he was particularly noted at the university's Lick Observatory for the quality of his cometary observations.

He remained there for nine years, then joined the staff of Lick Observatory in 1893.

It was discovered at the Lick Observatory using the 20-inch astrograph in either 1946, 1947, or 1951.

From 1958 to 1968 he was the director of Lick Observatory.

The road is closed when there is snow at Lick Observatory.

He was director of the Lick Observatory from 1935 until 1942.

He then returned to the Lick Observatory and worked there until his retirement.

He was made a director of Lick Observatory from 1901 to 1930.

Burnham worked at Lick Observatory for four years starting in 1888.