Back On-Sky

The storm that deposited a heavy layer of ice on Mauna Kea has kept Keck Observatory shuttered for a week now. The last night we observed was New Year’s Day. Despite clear skies, there was just too much ice on the domes that could come crashing in on the telescope if we attempted to open. For a few days the Keck II dome was frozen in place by a pile of solid ice against the lower skirt.

We just got word that day crew, with a little solar help, has cleared the worst of the ice from the domes and we will be observing tonight.

Heavy Ice
Ice on the Keck 2 dome ladders after the New Year’s storm of 2015