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How wildfires are threatening astronomy | canadian Geographic
Jasper National Park was designated a dark sky preserve in 2011 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Dark sky preserves defend the night against light pollution and people come from around the world to connect with the cosmos in the park. But wildfire smoke is snuffing out the magic of the stars. during the 2022 wildfire season, I stood at a stargazing event at the top of the Jasper SkyTram, looking down the valley as smoke snaked along the shores of Jasper Lake, 24 kilometers away. That blaze never reached the town, but smoke from the fire ruined views of the heavens at the planetarium and our telescope locations throughout the park for several weeks. It was a far cry from a previous breathtakingly clear night at the SkyTram when a woman from China cried tears of delight at seeing the Milky Way. Her husband explained that, because of air pollution, she had been born too late to see the stars in their home country.
Last year’s catastrophic fire season is a vicious reminder that wildfires are endangering our ability, not just to see, but to study the night sky.
Flames have destroyed several major telescopes at Australia’s Mount Stromlo Observatory and covered optics at California’s Sierra Remote Observatories in ash and debris. A lightning strike in June 2022 sent fire racing up to Kitt Peak National Observatory, were I’m currently based, destroying four buildings and threatening the mountain’s 22 major observatory telescopes, one of which researchers are using to create the largest, most detailed 3D map of the universe ever. This January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires swept up Mount Wilson, causing the evacuation of that peak’s observatory domes.
Dark Sky Festival: 6 Things We Are Excited About - Banff Jasper Collection
The Jasper Dark Sky Festival invites visitors, experts and locals alike to bask in and celebrate the park’s stunning skyscapes. The annual festival takes place each October, offering a blend of adventure, astronomy, science and solitude in the pristine conditions of the national park.
Wildfires Are Threatening Astronomy, and the Worst Is Yet to Come – Scientific American
Bob McDonald, science popularizer, fellow astronomy enthusiast, and Order of Canada recipient, points out to me: “The increase in wildfires and droughts around the world are a sign that climate …[Source](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-th…ng out the magic of the stars.
During the 2022 wildfire season, I stood at a stargazing event at the top of the Jasper SkyTram, looking down the valley as smoke snaked along the shores of Jasper lake, 24 kilometers away. That blaze never reached the town, but smoke from the fire ruined views of the heavens at the planetarium and our telescope locations throughout the park for several weeks. It was a far cry from a previous breathtakingly clear night at the SkyTram when a woman from China cried tears of delight at seeing the Milky Way. Her husband explained that,because of air pollution,she had been born too late to see the stars in their home country.
Last year’s catastrophic fire season is a vicious reminder that wildfires are endangering our ability, not just to see, but to study the night sky.
Flames have destroyed several major telescopes at Australia’s Mount Stromlo Observatory and covered optics at California’s Sierra Remote Observatories in ash and debris.A lightning strike in June 2022 sent fire racing up to Kitt Peak National Observatory, where I’m currently based, destroying four buildings and threatening the mountain’s 22 major observatory telescopes, one of which researchers are using to create the largest, most detailed 3D map of the universe ever. This January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires swept up Mount Wilson, causing the evacuation of that peak’s observatory domes.
[Source](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-th…ng out the magic of the stars.
During the 2022 wildfire season, I stood at a stargazing event at the top of the Jasper SkyTram, looking down the valley as smoke snaked along the shores of Jasper Lake, 24 kilometers away. That blaze never reached the town,but smoke from the fire ruined views of the heavens at the planetarium and our telescope locations throughout the park for several weeks. It was a far cry from a previous breathtakingly clear night at the skytram when a woman from China cried tears of delight at seeing the Milky way. Her husband explained that, because of air pollution, she had been born too late to see the stars in their home country.
Last year’s catastrophic fire season is a vicious reminder that wildfires are endangering our ability, not just to see, but to study the night sky.
Flames have destroyed several major telescopes at Australia’s Mount Stromlo Observatory and covered optics at California’s Sierra Remote Observatories in ash and debris. A lightning strike in June 2022 sent fire racing up to Kitt peak National Observatory, where I’m currently based, destroying four buildings and threatening the mountain’s 22 major observatory telescopes, one of which researchers are using to create the largest, most detailed 3D map of the universe ever. this January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires swept up Mount wilson, causing the evacuation of that peak’s observatory domes.
[Source](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-th…ng out the magic of the stars.
During the 2022 wild
Wildfires adn Their impact on Astronomy: An Interview with Dr. Amelia Hart
Table of Contents
Wildfires have increasingly threatened astronomical observatories, disrupting critical research and endangering valuable equipment.This interview with Dr. Amelia Hart, a renowned astrophysicist and expert on astronomical observatories, delves into the recent impacts of wildfires on these vital research facilities.
Introduction to Wildfires and Astronomy
Editor: Dr. Hart, can you start by explaining how wildfires specifically impact astronomical observatories?
Dr. Amelia Hart: Certainly. Wildfires pose multiple threats to observatories. The immediate danger is to the physical structures and equipment, which can be destroyed or severely damaged by the flames and smoke. ash and debris can cover optics, rendering telescopes inoperable. Additionally, the loss of power and communication systems can halt ongoing research and data collection.
Incidents at Major Observatories
Editor: We’ve seen several high-profile incidents recently. Can you discuss the wildfire at Mount Stromlo Observatory and its impact?
Dr. Hart: Mount Stromlo Observatory in Australia was badly affected by wildfires.The observatory was covered in ash and debris,which damaged the optics and required extensive cleaning and repairs. This disrupted research projects and delayed observations.
Editor: What about the incidents at Sierra remote observatories in California and Kitt Peak National Observatory?
Dr. Hart: At Sierra Remote Observatories, the optics were also covered in ash and debris, similar to Mount Stromlo. Meanwhile, Kitt Peak National Observatory faced a more severe threat when a lightning strike ignited a wildfire, destroying four buildings and putting the mountain’s 22 major telescopes at risk. One of these telescopes is crucial for creating the largest and most detailed 3D map of the universe ever.
The Impact on Research
Editor: How do these disruptions affect ongoing research projects?
Dr. Hart: The disruptions can be significant. Observatories often have tightly scheduled observation times, and any delay can set back research timelines. For example, the telescope at Kitt Peak used for the 3D map of the universe requires continuous data collection, and any interruption can lead to gaps in the dataset, complicating the final analysis.
Preventive Measures and Future Outlook
Editor: Are there any preventive measures observatories can take to mitigate these risks?
Dr. Hart: Yes, observatories are increasingly adopting preventive measures.These include installing fire-resistant materials, improving firefighting capabilities, and developing contingency plans for data backup and equipment protection. Additionally, some observatories are exploring remote observation techniques to reduce the need for on-site presence.
Editor: What is the broader impact of these wildfires on the field of astronomy?
Dr. Hart: The broader impact is twofold. Firstly, the loss of valuable research time and equipment can slow down scientific progress. Secondly, these incidents highlight the urgent need for better environmental management and climate action to mitigate the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires.
Conclusion
Editor: Dr. Hart, what are the main takeaways from our discussion?
Dr. Hart: The main takeaways are the severe impact wildfires can have on astronomical observatories, the need for preventive measures, and the broader implications for scientific research and environmental policy. As wildfires become more frequent, it is crucial for observatories, researchers, and policymakers to work together to protect these vital facilities and ensure the continuity of astronomical research.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart, for your insights.
Dr. Hart: Thank you for having me.
