Construction of the building to house the massive Nicholas
U. Mayall 4-meter (158-inch) telescope began in 1968 and was completed in
late 1970. The dome, built to withstand hurricane force winds of 120
miles per hour, incorporates a double shell structure, having an outer
diameter of 108 feet, and an inner diameter of 102 feet. The exterior of
the dome consists of 1/4-inch steel cover plates welded to the dome
superstructure. The interior of the dome is covered with 26,600 square
feet of embossed aluminum insulating panels.
Join the Waling Tour for a look inside
The tour guides:
