It was time to visit Mt. Stromlo. I had visited as a child, but really have no memories of that time. There are a few other memories of that trip, but not of Mt. Stromlo. It's a well known name in astronomy circles (not that I am in one!). Sadly, on January 18, 2003, a fire storm engulfed the mountain and some fringe areas of Canberra (with a number of deaths). Telescopes, it appears, are not fire proof. And there is a dispute with the insurance company, and I believe litigation is pending. Unless that is resolved in ANU's favour, there will be little rebuilding.
The GPS led me to the correct area, but it was still a shock to see the remains of the area. And even sadder after a long discussion with the operator of the (former) Visitor Centre.
Downtown Canberra and Mt. Ainslie in the distance, from near the (former) 26" Yale-Columbia telescope.
My car parked across the road from the (former) Yale-Columbia telescope. This is a rather sad site, and I was disappointed to see no apparent rebuilding efforts. The Display Board includes details and uses of this former telescope.
A very sad view of a telescope - this is from inside the former telescope, and is looking at the dome. The concrete arch on the left was part of the telescope support. The dome was made of wood, which is why none of it is left; other telescopes had metal domes, which while damaged, are still intact.
Another view of the Yale-Columbia site. Note the building in the background; this is a commercially operated radar system used to track space junk. It was also destroyed in the fire, but has been rebuilt.
The 74" Reflector was also destroyed, although the dome is still intact. Note also the untouched visitor centre on the right hand side. I had a long conversation with the operator of the restaurant in there. The visitor centre is closed, but the restaurant is open, although business is highly variable. The Display Board has details of the former telescope.
The inside of the 74" Reflector.
Looking through the 74" Reflector building and looking out to another of the burnt telescopes.
The main administration building, or rather its walls.
A wider view, with more burnt out telescopes in the background.
Part of the burnt forest on the slopes of Mt. Stromlo.
From here it was back to the hotel where I dined in the hotel's restaurant. They were not very busy this Sunday night. I thought about trying a few other places to eat, but a couple I saw were not open on Sunday nights, and I didn't feel like putting much effort into finding a meal. The hotel meal was quite OK.
Black Mountain
Canberra Weekend
