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Observing Information |
The W. M. Keck Observatory is located near the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,600 feet elevation, where the atmosphere has only 60 percent of the oxygen found at sea level and about 10 percent of the moisture, and where the average temperature is about 32 degrees F (0 degrees C).
The human body reacts to high altitude in a variety of ways. Individuals who are pregnant, have a head cold or suffer from cardiopulmonary disease should not attempt to work at or visit the summit.
One of the body's reactions to high altitude is dumping water to allow the blood to carry more oxygen. Frequent urination is a symptom of this process. Failure to replace lost body fluids can lead to dehydration, severe headaches, and hypothermia. High altitude dilation of the brain's blood vessels, combined with dehydration, can lead to a headache as severe as a migraine. Observatory workers sometimes take aspirin or acetaminophen before departing Hale Pohaku for the summit to help avoid headaches.
Individual responses to altitude can vary greatly. No one is immune from the effects or the potential dangers. To lessen the risk of high-altitude health hazards, be in good health, dress warmly, drink lots of fluids, avoid alcohol and drugs, and pace yourself.
It's important to acclimatize at the Hale Pohaku facility (9,200 foot level) before going to the summit.
Do not go solo to the summit. You may not always recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness in yourself. If you feel the onset of any unusual feeling or symptom, let someone know immediately. If you notice someone who appears to be suffering from some unusual feeling or symptom, ask how he or she feels.
| Typical Symptoms | Symptons | Your Response Should Be |
| Tunnel Vision | Loss of Peripheral Vision is common | No action necessary, unless mild effects begin to worsen |
| Slight Disorientation | Giddiness, slurred speech. Often occurs after walking too quickly or standing up too quickly | Slow dow, pressure breathe to elevate blood oxygen level; inhale, compress diaphragm gently, hold breath, exhale. Repeat. |
| Shortness of Breath | . | Pressure Breathe |
| Serious Symptoms | Symptoms | Your response should be |
| Headache | . | Aspirin, Tylenol, Gatorade, pressure breathing |
| Dizziness | Severe Disorientation | It is imperative to let someone know immediatley. Pressure breathing may help; leaving the mountain may be necessary |
| Fainting | . | If not hyperventilating, oxygen will help. Lie down until feeling better, then leave mountain |
| Chest Pain | (Rare, but do not discount) | Leave Summit IMMEDIATELY |
For detailed information, see: http://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/observing/visitor/hyalt.html