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UH 2.2-meter Telescope Repairs Set To Begin

by Big Island Video News
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STORY SUMMARY

MAUNA KEA - The University of Hawaiʻi 88-inch telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea will undergo repair and maintenance.

(BIVN) – Repair and maintenance of the University of Hawaii 88-inch telescope on Mauna Kea begins this month.

The UH 88-inch telescope, also known as the 2.2-meter telescope, was the first large telescope constructed on Mauna Kea. It commenced operation in 1970, according to the university.

The renovation includes roof and siding repair, weather sealing the dome, and safety upgrades. The telescope will even get a fresh coat of paint.

An area around the telescope will be fenced off during the work, which is expected to continue into October.

(UH image) A bird’s-eye view of the UH 88-inch telescope and its surroundings. The red line marks the area where fencing will be erected during renovation work.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa issued a media release on Monday, May 1:

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
on May 1, 2017

The University of Hawaiʻi 88-inch telescope (UH88) on Maunakea will undergo much needed repair and maintenance. The renovation will include fresh paint and repaired siding on the exterior, roof repair and weather sealing of the dome, improved lightning protection, as well as safety upgrades. The work will require erection of external scaffolding and overhead crane work.

The work will occur during the period from May 1, 2017, to October 31, 2017. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the area in immediate proximity to the UH88 will be fenced off to the public while renovations are taking place. Visitors are asked to not walk on the slopes around the fence, which causes erosion and creates safety risks.

Other existing sites, open to the public, remain available for sunset viewing and stargazing. These include areas both on and off the summit.

UH employees and contractors will comply with best management practices prepared by the contractor and approved by the Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM), including notices to OMKM, other observatories, and other users of the summit area and access road as appropriate when construction activities are anticipated to affect them. Construction vehicles and equipment will undergo invasive species inspections prior to coming up to the mountain.