Dome Shutter Jam: Next - Order Scaffolding

Update - 10/20/2025

The observatory crew reported the dome shutter (the large upper shutter) was stuck while the dome was trying to close. It was making a loud clunkity clunkity noise but not moving.

They managed to get it closed and it has not been opened again since.

Next Step - Order Scaffolding

The mechanism that drives the shutter is mounted at the apex of the dome.

Danger

Niether faculty nor students are allowed to climb an extension ladder stretched between the deck and the apex of the dome. A fall from that height would be a disaster in any scenario. Astronomy is just not worth the risk.

Always make sure that the people are safe first. Broken equipment can be repaired or replaced.

We need safe access to that mechanism in order to inspect it and make repairs. Lucky for us, facilities has scaffolding! They will deliver and assemble it (at least they used to) and then we will have a safe platform with a proper parapet to do what needs doing.