Apr 15: Mt Stromlo
On 6th April 2013, MAS went to Canberra to visit the Mt Stromlo Observatory and the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Communications Complex. Joan and I took the opportunity for some extra nights in Canberra before going on to Batemans Bay.
Mt Stromlo was almost totally destroyed by a bush fire in 2003 and is no longer used by the astronomers still based there for serious astronomy. Here are some images from the mountain top:
Three domes set up for student observing. Situated on the site of the old workshop, which was destroyed in the fire.
The 74" reflector dome, completely gutted inside. I recall that Joan and I visited this dome when it was operational, over thirty years ago.
The Solar Observatory, gutted by fire and now used as offices.
The Observatory which housed the 50" telescope, completely destroyed.
The remains of the destroyed 50" telescope.
The director's Cottage, totally gutted by the fire.
The Dome of the 30" Reflector, gutted by the fire.
Survivor!
The Satellite Laser Ranging Observatory, in use but not part of Mt Stromlo Observatory, so we did not get to visit it.
Resources:
Mt Stromlo Observatory Website
My Mt Stromlo Panoramio Images in Google Earth
