Wildfire hits Australian observatory
Posted: Mon, Jan 14, 2013, 6:39 AM ET (1139 GMT)
A massive wildfire swept through a major Australian astronomical observatory on Sunday, damaging some buildings but apparently sparing key telescopes there. The fast-moving fire hit the Siding Spring Observatory Sunday, part of a complex of fires in New South Wales, Australia that have broken out in extreme heat there. Authorities reported Monday that several buildings at the observatory, including lodges used by visiting astronomers and the visitors center, were destroyed. However, major telescopes there, including the 4-meter Anglo-Australian Telescope, appeared to have survived in good condition, although some instruments and equipment may be damaged. The observatory's staff was evacuated before the fires hit, and there were no injuries reported. The observatory will be closed for at least the next two weeks as damage there is evaluated. The fire hit almost exactly ten years after another wildfire destroyed Mount Stromlo Observatory in Australia.
A massive wildfire swept through a major Australian astronomical observatory on Sunday, damaging some buildings but apparently sparing key telescopes there. The fast-moving fire hit the Siding Spring Observatory Sunday, part of a complex of fires in New South Wales, Australia that have broken out in extreme heat there. Authorities reported Monday that several buildings at the observatory, including lodges used by visiting astronomers and the visitors center, were destroyed. However, major telescopes there, including the 4-meter Anglo-Australian Telescope, appeared to have survived in good condition, although some instruments and equipment may be damaged. The observatory's staff was evacuated before the fires hit, and there were no injuries reported. The observatory will be closed for at least the next two weeks as damage there is evaluated. The fire hit almost exactly ten years after another wildfire destroyed Mount Stromlo Observatory in Australia.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA to launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in September
Posted: Sat, Apr 25 10:54 AM ET (1454 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, April 27
Program: PNG Starlink ban to end after National Court ruling
Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) Starlink set to return to Papua New Guinea after court quashes ban, clearing path for connectivity
Radio New Zealand — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) U.S. Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen N. Whiting to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Redstone Arsenal
US Space Command — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) Space Command facility ribbon cutting set for Wednesday
WAFF-TV — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base Sunday morning
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 5:24 am ET (0924 GMT) |
