After 50 years of operation, the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory received a major facelift this week. A new dome has been installed at the site. The old dome was removed Tuesday morning, January 5th, and the new dome was installed before the end of the same day. After removal of the old dome, the main dome building had to be shortened by seven inches to accommodate the new dome.

Time-lapse of dome replacement

Dome replacement (frame from animation)

Time-lapse of dome replacement (alt view)

Dome replacement, second view (frame from animation)

Time-lapse of dome replacement from interior

Dome replacement, interior view (frame from animation)

Time-lapse of wall lowering from interior

Dome wall lowering (frame from animation)