The Mauna Loa Observatory project brought together The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NOAA, and Murar Engineering and Design to create a cutting-edge device for measuring the Earth-Moon distance. Engineers overcame unique challenges by designing removable foundations for the observatory's dome, ensuring compatibility with the site’s sensitive archaeological status and harsh high-altitude conditions. However, shortly after completion, the observatory's road was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, adding an unexpected twist to this groundbreaking endeavor.
