ATLAS Observatory

ATLAS Observatory was a location in the Savage Divide region of Appalachia, currently known as Fort Atlas.Fallout 76 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide p.409 "22. OBSERVATORYThe Atlas Observatory, an atmospheric and astronomic facility, is one of the largest domed telescopes still left standing. It offers loot as well as information on what scientific research was going on before the bombs dropped. Outside, the rocky mountain outcrop upon which the observatory is built offers exceptional views to the west, toward Monongah. There's a small exterior door (2) on the structure's western edge, but the main entrance is on the south side, after navigating an enemy-filled parking lot (or sneaking in via the lower loading dock entrance to the southeast). Inside, the circular structure is somewhat confusing unless you methodically search each chamber, culminating with a check of the giant telescope itself."(Fallout 76 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Atlas of Appalachia) Once the site of an advanced military science project, the observatory lay dormant for years following the Great War, inhabited by hostile robots. 
==Background==
While appearing to be an astronomical research laboratory, ATLAS was a military project on weather modification. The ATLAS Program, or Atmospheric Terraforming Laser Accelerator System, had limited success in its early months. On January 24, 2076, its lead, Major Kirk Bentley was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel James Oberlin, with the project set to have its funding cut unless scalable results were able to be produced by the following April.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [1-24-76]
Under Oberlin's oversight, the project progressed rapidly. By March 12, the prototype had succeeded in initiating light rainfall across a significant localized area. Funding for the ATLAS Program was extended under the condition that Dr. Hammond, the facility's chief research scientist, invested more research into higher-energy weather conditions.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [3-12-76] By August 20, the doctor was able to produce a wide variety of weather conditions based on data his team delivered to the lab. The latest prototype was capable of producing near-whiteout blizzard conditions, uncharacteristic weather for mid-August.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [08-20-76]
By August 2077, the project had been fully approved and funded for military use. Oberlin theorized that the system could diminish the threat of nuclear war by subtly sabotaging the enemy by manipulating the weather.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [8-17-77] On October 16, the ATLAS program and facility was suddenly ordered to be shut down, despite the project's success and utility.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [10-18-77] By October 22, Oberlin was instructed to falsify all of the facility's data to make it appear as a failure.ATLAS Observatory terminal entries; Army data analysis terminal, Report [10-22-77]
In spite of the facility's cancellation and the ensuing Great War, Dr. Hammond continued to work on the project for another five months, replacing the main lens, completing particle analyzes and stabilizing the accelerator while attempting to use security robots as assistants.ATLAS research log 293
===Post-War===
In 2103, Lucky Lou scavenged several automated turrets from the observatory for use in attempting to commit suicide and avoid turning feral.Carleton Mine terminal entries; Lou's engineering log, Turrets Later that year, Russell Dorsey established a campsite near the facility's entrance and, with the assistance of his utility Protectrons, began constructing a framework around the structure. This included various elevated platforms, a medical tent, a landing pad, and deliberately sealing the observatory's interior.Back in a bit In 2103, Russell Dorsey collaborated with the Vault Dwellers of Vault 76 to construct a base for the incoming Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force, using the observatory as their construction site. Upon arrival, the Brotherhood renamed the facility to Fort Atlas, converting it into its current appearance.
==Layout==
The observatory caps the crest of a hill along Route 63 east of Monongah. The exterior of the building was previously guarded by various robots and automated wall turrets. The three entrances of the building led to a multi-level structure with border rooms encircling a vaulted central room that houses the telescope. It was filled with Protectrons, Mister Gutsies, and a high-level Assaultron. The building was full of loot and junk, including a Vault-Tec bobblehead in the main telescope room.
==Notable loot==
===Exterior===
* Dorsey's diary - Note, underneath the bed in Russell Dorsey's tent.
* Note to self: Names - Note, past the red machinery, down the stairs, and on the white table directly ahead.
* Note to self: Parts - Note, underneath a metal staircase, next to some red machinery.
* Note to self: Railings - Note, up the wooden staircases that lead to the dome, then straight north. The note will be on a railing, at a platform in between two metal staircases.
* To-do: Nailgun - Note, in an armored personnel carrier across from Russell Dorsey.
* To-do: Power armor - Note, on a barrel next to the power armor station.
* To-do: Symbol - Note, attached to the dome. It is up the wooden staircases, following the walkway facing northeast.
* Last details - Note, inside Dorsey's tent, on a cabinet.
===Interior===
Note that the interior was sealed with The Legendary Run update, from Fortifying ATLAS until the release of Steel Dawn.
* ATLAS research log #104 - Holotape, inside the Scientific Director's office on a control console.
* ATLAS research log #293 - Holotape, near a skeleton in the center of the basement.
* ATLAS director's password - Holotape, near a skeleton in the center of the basement.
* ATLAS utility key (2):
** On a table in the basement by a section of a collapsed roof.
** On a table in the lower level near the door to the basement that the key opens.
* Potential Vault-Tec bobblehead - At the top of the ramp surrounding the telescope.
* Potential magazine - On a coffee table, on the first floor from the basement.
==Notes==
The location of ATLAS Observatory was renamed to Fort Atlas in patch 24, the initial release of Steel Dawn.
==Appearances==
ATLAS Observatory appeared only in Fallout 76. It was expanded upon in The Legendary Run update, before being fully converted to Fort Atlas with Steel Dawn.
==Gallery==
===Fortifying ATLAS===
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory exterior.png|Exterior as of The Legendary Run
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (entrance pre-Beta).png|Entrance, before the Beta phase of Fortifying ATLAS
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (entrance sign).png|Sign covered by Brotherhood flag
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (landing pad Beta).png|Landing pad during Project Beta
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (dome Beta).png|View of the dome during Project Beta
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (Brotherhood banner Beta).png|Brotherhood of Steel banner during Project Beta
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory note - Back in a bit.png|Back in a bit 
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (Dorsey's diary).png|Dorsey's diary
FO76OW ATLAS Observatory (Last details).png| Last details
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (Note to self Names).png|Note to self: Names
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (Note to self Parts).png|Note to self: Parts
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (Note to self Railings).png|Note to self: Railings
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (To-do Nailgun).png|To-do: Nailgun
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (To-do Power armor).png|To-do: Power armor
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory (To-do Symbol).png|To-do: Symbol
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory upgrade level 1.png|Base-level upgrade from "Summer Updates" trailer
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory upgrade level 4.png|Fourth-level upgrade from "Summer Updates" trailer
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory upgrade level 7.png|Seventh-level upgrade from "Summer Updates" trailer
FO76 Steel Dawn Art.jpg|ATLAS Observatory in a Steel Dawn artwork
===ATLAS Observatory===
FO76LR ATLAS Observatory entrance.png
F76 ATLAS Observatory Entrance.png|ATLAS prior to The Legendary Run
F76 ATLAS Observatory Gate.png|Gate
F76 ATLAS Observatory.png|Night view
ATLAS_01.png|ATLAS Observatory
ATLAS_02.png|Skeleton outside observatory doors
ATLAS_03.png|Skeleton inside the observatory
Atlas Observatory basement.png|Base of the ATLAS scope
Atlas Observatory telescope.png|ATLAS itself
F76 Atlas Observatory sign.png|Close up of the ATLAS sign
FO76 ATLAS Observatory.png|Exterior
FO76 ATLAS observatory concept art.jpg|Concept art by Christopher Ortega
F76 Atlas Observatory.png|ATLAS ad
FO76 Sign K 1 (15).png|Sign
==References==
Atlas Observatory
ru:Обсерватория АТЛАС
zh:阿特拉斯觀測站