Big Bear Solar Observatory

The Big Bear observatory is home to one of the premier solar telescopes in the world, but it is in danger or being eclipsed by newer rivals.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Vasyl Yurchyshyn, a research professor at the observatory, is reflected in a high-density filter, which he uses to look at the sun with help from the 1.6-meter telescope.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Yurchyshyn is silhouetted by the sun next to the 1.6-meter telescope.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Claude Plymate, the telescope engineer/chief observer, studies images of the sun from the 1.6-meter telescope.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Images of sunspots are displayed on Plymate’s computer screen of Claude.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

John Varsik, a research professor at the observatory, is reflected in mirrors, used to study images of the sun.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Varsik inspects a complex alignment of cameras, mirrors and other instruments connected to the 1.6-meter telescope.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Yurchyshyn, left, and Varsik walk down the jetty to work at the Big Bear Solar Observatory.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)