More than two years after road access and electrical power to the Mauna Loa Observatory was cut off by lava flows, NOAA staff continue to make critical measurements of the atmosphere and other environmental variables at the remote site.
In 2023, observatory staff installed solar panels at the site and resumed some measurements, including the independent carbon dioxide monitoring programs run by the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as well as other atmospheric measurements.
Construction of a temporary road to access the observatory site is anticipated to begin in summer 2025.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov)
50th Anniversary Celebration
Overview
Throughout November, 2007, Mauna Loa Observatory celebrated its 50th anniversary on the Big Island of Hawaii. The events also honor 50 years of carbon dioxide measurements at MLO, and help conclude a year-long celebration of NOAA's 200th anniversary. Several public events took place around the Big Island.
Event Summary
- After Dark in the Park, Kilauea Military Camp (Tuesday, October 30th, 2007)
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, MLO director Dr. John Barnes spoke about the 50th anniversary celebrations of Mauna Loa Observatory. - Opening Ceremony, Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center (Friday, November 2nd, 2007)
The opening ceremony to the month-long display at the Wailoa Center in Hilo featured food, refreshments, cutting of a traditional Hawaiian lei, and much more. - 50th Anniversary Exhibit, Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center (November 5th-28th, 2007)
NOAA and MLO showcased a large public exhibit throughout November featuring interactive displays, historic research instruments, and important discoveries and results related to global warming, greenhouse gases, ozone, aerosols, and solar radiation. There were also displays from the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, NOS Pacific Services Center and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Science Center and Fisheries Enforcement, and NESDIS NOAA IDEA Center. MLO staff members were on hand daily to answer questions and interact with visitors. Several special class tours were arranged ahead of time with local schools. - Science Saturday (Wailoa Center, Saturday, November 10th, 2007)
Science Saturday included interactive displays for families and children, an ozonesonde launch, a Discovery Center booth, a Robofest booth, a National Weather Service Tsunami display, a Helco trailer, live music, a solar cooker, and much more. - Public Tours (MLO research facility, Tuesday-Wednesday, November 13th-14th, 2007)
MLO Director Dr. John Barnes and MLO physical scientist Steve Ryan were on hand to give tours of the high altitude research facility to the public. - Vognet Talk (Wailoa Center, Friday November 16th, 2007)
MLO physical scientist Steve Ryan discussed the Vognet program with HPA students. The program studied the effects of volcanic pollution on the people of Hawaii. For more information on the Vognet program, see our Vognet program page. - Laser Presentation (Wailoa Center, Monday, November 19th, 2007)
MLO director Dr. John Barnes met with the public and answered questions about lasers, and how they are used for atmospheric research at MLO. - MLO Alumni Gathering and Luncheon (Wailoa Center and New Star restaurant, Tuesday, November 27th, 2007)
The MLO alumni gathering included a recognition award ceremony, a time capsule ceremony, group photo shots, interviews, and a special luncheon. Some MLO alumni also visited the MLO Hilo office, as well as the new NWS facility and Discovery Center in downtown Hilo. - Kona Events (Sheraton Keahou Bay Resort, November 28th-30th,2007)
NOAA ESRL coordinated a fantastic symposium and celebration of the "50th Anniversary of the Global Carbon Dioxide Record" at the Sheraton Keahou Bay resort in Kona, Hawaii from 11/28 - 11/30. For more information about the conference, visit this website.
MLO 50th Aniversary Book
A publication to commemorate MLO's 50th anniversary is currently being written by Forrest M. Mims III. The book is scheduled to be published in late 2007 or early 2008 and coincide with the celebrations of MLO's 50th anniversary. Email Forrest Mims III .