A friend moved and came across a photo album. The pictures attached have a story...

My friend and I went to the main island of Hawaii. I'd heard they were just finishing the Keck Telescope so we went to the business office to see if any tours might be available. The answer was no, so we decided to check it out anyway. The telescope is sited at the top of Mauna Kea, and the volcano is high enough to sustain snow, even in summer. We saw people using toboggans on the slopes.

We got to the telescope parking lot, and we were surprised to see it full to the brim with cars. The building was locked and secure, so we just went back to the car. Then the doors opened and people streamed out, all going to their cars, starting them up and taking off. In a few minutes, the parking lot was empty. A van drove up and parked by the door that were now closed. We spoke with them, and they were just hoping to get a look too. As it happened, that was the day they gave all the staff and contractor's families a tour.

Then, a car pulled into the parking lot and also drove to the doors. A couple got out and the man unlocked the doors. The lady went in, but the man began to converse with the van occupants. We got closer, hoping something might happen. The guy from the van motioned us over. The man with the key was the Director and had come back because his wife needed to use the bathroom. He was gracious enough to offer all of us an exclusive look-see of the new telescope.

Inside was a long hall flanked by glassed computer rooms and offices. At the end of the hall were doors to the telescope enclosure. We felt ecstatic to get the chance to see this thing. If you look at the photo, you can see the hexagonal component mirrors of this 'active optics' telescope, the same technique used by the JWST. You can also see that many of the actuators that don't have the mirrors mounted yet.(1) A second Keck telescope has been added since then.

1. Interior of Keck. 2) Keck on the far right among others. 3) CalTech Submillimeter(?). 4) Exterior of Keck.

Anyone have a maximal geeking experience, or where timing was everything?