Wildfire reaches Kitt Peak National Observatory
A wildfire has crested the peak and reached the Kitt Peak National Observatory, threatening a number of telescopes there.
Around 2:00 a.m. MST Friday morning the fire, contrary to the expectations of the firecrews, crested the southwest ridge where the Hiltner 2.4-meter Telescope, McGraw-Hill 1.3-meter Telescope, Very Long Baseline Array Dish and UArizona 12-meter Telescope are located. Because of the ongoing nature of the situation, it is currently not possible to assess whether any damage to the structures has occurred. We will report any damage as soon as possible.
Based on this report, however, it does appear that officials expect several of these telescopes to be damaged by the fire.
A wildfire has crested the peak and reached the Kitt Peak National Observatory, threatening a number of telescopes there.
Around 2:00 a.m. MST Friday morning the fire, contrary to the expectations of the firecrews, crested the southwest ridge where the Hiltner 2.4-meter Telescope, McGraw-Hill 1.3-meter Telescope, Very Long Baseline Array Dish and UArizona 12-meter Telescope are located. Because of the ongoing nature of the situation, it is currently not possible to assess whether any damage to the structures has occurred. We will report any damage as soon as possible.
Based on this report, however, it does appear that officials expect several of these telescopes to be damaged by the fire.