This is a common sight. When I took a trip up Mauna Kea in Hawaii back in '98, I saw a similar scene. For those that don't know about Manua Kea -
http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/. It is the mecka for professional astronomers fighting for telescope reseach time. Big telescopes, big cameras, big egos.
Anyway, the summit generates a lot of conflict as the Hawaiian's have sacred sites at the summit. During excavation, many human bones have been found. I have heard to put a telescope, regardless of size on the summit costs quite a sum of money. Some of the proceeds actually go to the Hawaiian community. In some cases I think we've taken things too far, but it is one of the very few prime locations on earth with steady dark skies.
I find it interesting that we've explored more things beyond earth than earth itself. At least 60% of the oceans are yet to be explored...