California State University Northridge Observatory
Upgraded.
Automated.
Customized.
Sea West updated the existing dome at California State University, Northridge.
About the observatory
The San Fernando Observatory, originally built in the 1960s, has a new home at Cal State Northridge. Once focused on solar magnetic fields for the Apollo moon program, it now allows students to gain hands-on experience using telescope equipment while also being able to conduct research studies on sunspots to predict solar flares. It moved to CSUN in January due to changes in its original site’s use and is now located within the historic orange grove at Cal State Northridge.
Dome
16’-6″ Ash-Dome
Telescope
Custom Solar
Public Outreach
Astrophotography
Research
Wheelchair Accessible
Project Scope
Sea West was hired to install the new dome on the recently built observatory. They purchased and assembled the new 16.5’ Ash-Dome on site then crane-lifted it onto the structure. Finally, a new layer of paint was added onto the new dome to finish up the new observatory at Cal State University Northridge.
PARTNERS
Sea West partnered with Clerkin & Clerkin Architects in the design details of the new observatory and contracted with MTM Construction to install the Dome. Ash Manufacturing provided the new 16.5’ Ash-Dome.