ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory - Mauna Loa Observatory

Measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory stopped after the 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow crossed the access road and took out power lines to the facility. The observatory remains inaccessible by vehicle and without power from the local utility company.

Observatory staff has established limited solar power in four observatory buildings and restored approximately 33 percent of the measurements onsite, including the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps critical CO₂ records and other atmospheric measurements.

Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413‬ (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)

Organization(s):

PMRF Pacific Missile Range Facility, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Department of Navy

What does this program measure?

A video surveillance system with microwave transmitter is used at MLO to observe and maintain range safety on Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) when the U.S. Army conducts aerial bomb exercises.

How does this program work?

A video camera and infrared camera are mounted on a pedestal. Video images are collected and transmitted via microwave to the Army's Range Operations Center at the Pohakuloa Training Area Headquarters (located at the foot of Mauna Kea). The camera system operates continuously. General weather conditions at MLO are monitored remotely to ensure proper data collection.

Why is this research important?

The current means of maintaining range safety (visual observations and one fly over prior to the start of bombing maneuvers) requires improvements for upgrading the effectiveness of detecting unauthorized personnel and vehicles in the restricted area prior to lasing and resulting bomb impact.

Are there any trends in the data?

That is not applicable to this program.

How does this program fit into the big picture?

What is it's role in global climate change?

The essence of this project is to ensure range safety and maximize risk reduction for all bombing operations at PTA. The MLO site offers the best vantage point where live video observations of the bombin area can be collected and sent to the Pohakuloa Training Area Range Operations Center where immediate action can be implemented to locate and remove unauthorized personnel and vehicles in the hazard areas. The clear and open viewing from the MLO also provides the opportunity and added benfit for the PTA Range Operations Center to observe the bombing live, in real time so as to stop any bombing in progress if the "missed distance" to targets exceeds safety boundaries established to ensure the safety of adjacent activities outside of the PTA proper. Although this project was not meant to be a target scoring system, the features of this system provide for recordation of exercises and immediate feedback to the fighter pilot should any emergency situation occur during the exercise.