The observatory dome is a large mechanical structure installed at the top level of the building. It protects the telescope from weather conditions while providing shielding against wind during observations, reducing ground-layer turbulence, and preventing external stray light and dust contamination. As such, the dome represents the most visible and largest mechanical component of the observatory.
The project adopts a 12-meter diameter hemispherical split-dome design developed by Nishimura Co., Ltd. The dome has a total weight of approximately 20 tons and is equipped with:
- six rotational drive motors for dome movement
- two shutter drive motors for opening and closing the observing slit
- an internal 2-ton overhead crane installed near the upper interior structure
The crane is used for telescope and instrument installation, maintenance, and lifting operations. The dome control system is fully integrated with telescope operations, enabling synchronized motion during observations.
