Big Bear Solar Observatory - Dome Blog Section 2

Removing the Old Dome

Daily events and images of the BBSO dome replacement project.

17 November MFG/Ratech is starting work.

The crane arrives Work begins on the causeway Starting to remove the shutter

An eagle came by to check out the construction.

Eagle looking things over Removing the first piece of the shutter

18 November The MFG/Ratech crew is beginning to cut the dome from the inside. The cuts today will be in preparation for removing the first parts of the dome. This should happen tomorrow when the wind is expected to be lower.

First cuts on the inside of the dome Earthshine dome foundation completed

19 November With the decreased wind, the MFG/Ratech crew removes the first sections of the dome. They completed removing the top layer of sections today.

Upper part of shutter installed on earthshine dome yesterday Dome section lifting off Dome section being lowered to trailer

21 November Removal of the old dome continues.
Inside dome Lower shutter panel attached to earthshine dome

22 November Removed upper parts of arch girders.
Upper arch girders removed

23 November Today the lower part of the dome was removed. All that is left is the dome base ring. The telescopes, wrapped in plastic, are clearly visible. The end of the 10-inch has its joints and lens cap sealed but is not wrapped in the plastic.
Removing lower panels Just parts of the arch girders left

25 November Today the dome ring was removed. The old dome is completely gone.
Removing dome ring

17 November	MFG/Ratech is starting work.

	An eagle came by to check out the construction.

18 November	The MFG/Ratech crew is beginning to cut the dome from the inside. The cuts today will be in preparation for removing the first parts of the dome. This should happen tomorrow when the wind is expected to be lower.

19 November	With the decreased wind, the MFG/Ratech crew removes the first sections of the dome. They completed removing the top layer of sections today.

21 November	Removal of the old dome continues.

22 November	Removed upper parts of arch girders.

23 November	Today the lower part of the dome was removed. All that is left is the dome base ring. The telescopes, wrapped in plastic, are clearly visible. The end of the 10-inch has its joints and lens cap sealed but is not wrapped in the plastic.

25 November	Today the dome ring was removed. The old dome is completely gone.