http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/19/1042911270928.html
Here's the burned out picture.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-sf-bay-tac@No-Spam [mailto:owner-sf-bay-tac@No-Spam]On
Behalf Of Jane Houston Jones
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 1:23 AM
To: TAC
Cc: Tony Buckley; EastbayAstro; PAS Newsgroup; SCAS Group
Subject: [TAC] Mt. Stromlo lost to bushfires
I received this sad note from the former pres of the ASNSW, Tony Buckley
just now. Mojo and I visited this observatory in 2000 while on our
Australian honeymoon. Pictures of Mount Stromlo observatory are here:
http://www.whiteoaks.com/Australia2000/pg28.html - just pages 28
through page 31
>Hello Everyone
>
> This very disturbing news was just announced by the Astronomical
> Society of Victoria.
>
> Richard Heggie
>
> Astronomical Society of Victoria Inc.
> NEWS BULLETIN "Sun 19 Jan 03"
>
> Mt Stromlo Observatory lost to bushfires!
>
> It is with great sadness that I report the demise of historic Mt
> Stromlo Observatory in the fires of Canberra. The damage is extreme
> as seen on television news reports and precious little appears to be
> left of the buildings and instruments.
>
> It is yet to be officially determined as to how much data and
> instrumentation has been lost but the astronomical community must
> brace itself for the worst - total loss. Especially disheartening
> were the images of the shell of the 74-inch dome and charred remains
> of the telescope inside. It is well known to many members that parts
> of the Great Melbourne Telescope were incorporated into this
> instrument and we should now expect that connection to be severed
> forever.
>
> More will be known as all unfolds in the days to come, but at this
> stage I believe that the ANU had not insured any of the buildings or
> instruments. If that indeed is the case, then this loss will be of
> astronomical proportions to local research.
>
> This is a black day for both the residents of Canberra and the
> Australian astronomical community.
>
> Perry Vlahos
> President - ASV, Inc.
>
> Astronomical Society of Victoria Inc.
-- Jane Houston Jones San Rafael, CA jane@No-Spam http://www.whiteoaks.com