Mauna Loa Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) is an atmospheric baseline station high on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaiʻi, in the US state of Hawaii.
About Mauna Loa Observatory
MLO monitors atmospheric composition and baseline air quality, making it one of the most important sites in the world for tracking long-term changes in the Earth's atmosphere, thanks in large part to its remote, high-altitude location far from major pollution sources.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits at an elevation of 3,397 metres on the slopes of Mauna Loa, one of the world's largest volcanoes, on Hawaii's Big Island in the North America region. This extreme altitude, combined with its isolation in the Pacific, gives the site exceptionally clean, stable air for scientific monitoring.
Visiting Mauna Loa Observatory
The site is situated on the same property managed by the broader Mauna Loa Observatory facility. Given the high altitude and specialised nature of the station, visitors should check official channels for current access arrangements before planning a trip.
See your named star from here
Few places on Earth offer air as clear as the slopes of Mauna Loa, making it a spectacular, if remote, spot to look for the star you've named with Star Register. Find its exact coordinates any time in our star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
