Weather Limits
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The 36" has weather limits comparable to the other telescopes but
since the telescope is from 1888 one should take extra care to keep
the telescope dry. The 36" does not have a computer displayed weather
system, only a humidigraph on the end of the telescope. This means
the 36" users need to rely on the 3-m operator or 1-m Nickel telescope
weather station to get weather updates.
36" observers should be aware of the following conditions which limit or prevent operations of the telescope. Note that these limits are only guidelines.The decision to allow the 36" observers to open or close the dome is entirely at the discretion of the 3-m telescope operator. Wind Limits
Humidity94% or at the 3-m telescope operator's discretion based on blowing fog, condensation on dome and handrails, etc..AshObservers must close if airborne ash from a wild-land fire is deemed a threat to the optics. Ash detectors (white and black sheets of paper placed in and out of domes) should be in place and checked regularly if wild-land fires are present.Snow on DomeIf snow has accumulated on the dome and not been shoveled, the telescope dome should be kept closed to prevent snow from falling or blowing onto the telescope. Contact the 3-m telescope operator or support astronomer if you are unsure of the state of snow on the dome.LightningIf distant lightning can be seen but no thunder heard, there is no immediate threat and observing may continue provided there is no danger of rain. If lightning is 10 miles away or less (about 50 seconds from lightning to thunderclap), there may be a danger of a strike. 3-m telescope operator can stop observations to shutdown critical electrical systems as his or her discretion. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last audible thunderclap before declaring the storm passed and resuming operations. |