Lick Observatory threatened by fire

[Mark at Beaufort]

As some of you know I have a Son who lives in Livermore, California which is not too far from San Jose. He was telling me, about 30 minutes ago, that he is surrounded by major fires and that the famous Lick Observatory was under threat but currently still okay.

Here is a link - https://news.ucsc.edu/2020/08/mt-hamilton-fire.html

There is also a wonderful site, with telescopes run by the Tri Valley Astronomers, which is close to Mount Hamilton and I am trying to contact a friend to see if everything is still okay.

 

 

[Stu]

Terrible fires Mark. I hope your son is okay, and that the efforts to keep the Observatory safe are successful. Fingers crossed!

[Mark at Beaufort]

I have just received an email from my astronomy friend in California. The owner of the private Astro Site was evacuated last Tuesday so they think that the observing site might have been destroyed. They cannot visit the area because of the dangers.

I will be really sad if the site has gone because I used the 18" scope there to view Omega Centauri.

Fingers crossed the Lick Observatory and the 120 inch Scope might be saved.

Here is a photo of the 120 inch scope which might also be at risk

[RobertI]

That's sad news about the oberving site and worring about the observatory. Terrible pictures. More importantly though I hope your son is safe.

Edited August 22, 2020 by RobertI

[Nigella Bryant]

Goodness, hope everyone is ok. Hopefully all Observatory staff have been evacuated too. Hope and pray the fire's will soon be under control.