Fayetteville State University Observatory
Sea West upgraded the existing observatory dome at Fayetteville State University for research and student use.
About the observatory
Located in North Carolina, this academic observatory underwent a significant upgrade to enhance its capabilities for both research and student use. The previous circa 1970s dome was replaced with a new Ash Manufacturing 16’-6” Ash-Dome equipped with an automated dome control system. This upgrade addressed issues with water leaks and modernized the observatory with state-of-the-art automation.
Project Scope
In 2024, Sea West removed the previously-in-place Ash Manufacturing 16’-6” Ash-Dome, which had been experiencing significant water leaks due to its age. The project involved installing a new 16’-6” Ash-Dome with full dome automation controls, a capability the previous dome did not include. Additionally, the new observatory dome will allow for robotic or remote control, thus enhancing the observatory’s functionality and accessibility.
Partners
Sea West partnered with Ash Manufacturing and Observatory Automation Solutions for this project, ensuring the highest quality in both the dome replacement and the implementation of the new automation system.
