Mauna Loa Solar Observatory

Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) is a solar observatory on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaiʻi, in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

About Mauna Loa Solar Observatory

MLSO is operated by the High Altitude Observatory (HAO), a laboratory within the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Its work focuses on the Sun's atmosphere, observing the chromosphere and corona to understand solar activity.

History

The observatory was built in 1965 and has operated continuously since, taking advantage of Mauna Loa's high altitude and clear, stable air, which are ideal conditions for solar observation.

Telescopes & research

MLSO's instruments are tasked with monitoring the Sun's chromosphere and corona and conducting studies of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), powerful eruptions of solar material that can affect space weather and, in turn, technology on Earth.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located on the slopes of Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island, in the North America region, on property managed by the broader Mauna Loa Observatory site.

Visiting Mauna Loa Solar Observatory

As a specialised solar research facility at high altitude, MLSO is not typically set up for casual visitors. Anyone interested in the site should check with the High Altitude Observatory or NCAR for current access information before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

MLSO has watched our own star, the Sun, since 1965. It's a fitting place to think about the star you've named with Star Register out among the countless others in the night sky. Find its coordinates any time in our star catalogue.