"Blizzard Dome" by Carter Emmart

The Fixed Shutter Dome (FSD) is an evolutionary approach to telescope enclosure design which brings maximum security and flexibility to your investment in telescope technology for observatory, interferometer and satellite laser ranging projects. In addition to protection from high winds, rain, sand, snow and ice, the FSD has the ability to fit an optical window into the sphere, an option not open to conventional slotted domes. The FSD has also reduced the number of moving parts, and the number of drives necessary to operate them, to the barest minimum. Simplicity, agility and robust design assure reliability and protection in all environmental realities, while positive control over seeing is increased. The FSD is an enabling technology for observatory and SLR projects, and for applications still to be imagined.