CFH Dome

Several years ago, I developed a software program that displays star maps on a computer and then moves a telescope to the desired object of interest.  The staff of the Canada-France-Hawaii (CFH) Telescope invited me to their observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to determine if the program could be used on their 120 inch telescope.

Since the observatories are at an elevation of 14,000 feet, I was required to spend 24 hours at the "monastery" at the 9,000 foot level before I was allowed up to the observatory.  When I finally arrived at the summit, I was greeted with this view of the CFH Dome and with extremely high winds!  We hurried inside to get out of the wind.

After receiving a tour of the facility, we decided to walk over to the Keck Telescope which was located a short distance away.  As we left CFH, we noted the wind speed was registering 70 to 75 knots!  Once outside, I found it extremely hard to breathe due to the high winds.  To take this image, I had to take cover behind a small structure used for their electrical systems.  I calculated the exposure, ran into position and quickly snapped the shutter, then ran back before I ran out of breath.

Camera: Nikon F2S

Lens: Nikkor 50mm f1.4

 Film: Kodachrome

Development: Normal