MIT students turn dome into 'Star Wars' character
May 17, 1999

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Reuters) - The Force was with some MIT students who Monday turned the elite college's trademark dome into an oversized replica of "Star Wars" droid R2-D2.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology police discovered the dome covered in red, white, blue and black lightweight mesh fabric panels during a routine, early morning patrol.

R2-D2 is a domed, trash-can-shaped robot that appears in the "Star Wars" series. The fabric panels on the MIT dome were supposed to represent the character's sensors.

The student pranksters left a dozen doughnuts and instructions for how to remove the installation. Campus officials said they will leave the prank in place until Thursday morning.

The college has a long history of pranks. Previous MIT stunts have included what appeared to be a police cruiser placed on top of the dome with a uniformed officer inside, flashing lights and a toy gun.

The new "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" opens in U.S. theaters May 19.

To see a picture of this hack, click here.

To read more about hacks undertaken at MIT, click here.