The Bob Cat Fire is still only 6% contained 36,366 acres burned. The firefighters are working to protect the hundreds of neighborhoods and Mt Wilson Observatory nearby. Here’s today’s news clip on the Observatory:
ABOUT MT. WILSON
The Mount Wilson Observatory houses 18 telescopes, many of which were used to make some of the greatest astronomical discoveries of the last century.
They include the 100 inch Hooker telescope that Edwin Hubble used in the 1920s to prove that our universe is still expanding.
Observatory Director Tom Meneghini said he's afraid they could be seriously impacted if the fire gets close enough.
“The heat can do irreparable damage. Our two big telescopes are historically significant and irreplaceable,” Meneghini said.
However, he said fires have gotten close before and the decades-old firefighting setup at the Observatory is ready to be used again.
"We have an inground system of hoses and pumps," he said. "We have half a million gallons of water ready to pump so that’s all been prepared for any fire professional to come in and take over."
Oh so sad Lois....it’s a frightening time & such brave firefighters in all that heat. Thinking if you all at these worrying times. Beautiful colour....
Devastating news re the fires. I hope the observatory can be saved along with homes too.
Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires here in Australia.
Devastating news re the fires. I hope the observatory can be saved along with homes too.
Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires here in Australia.