How a Burning Observatory Taught Astronomers a Hard Lesson

Seventeen years ago an out of control brush fire destroyed the Mount Stromlo observatory south west of Canberra in Australia. The 74 inch reflector, several other telescopes, and the observatory's library and archives were destroyed.

It was a great tragedy for astronomy, but astronomers have learned from it.

Whilst the devastating 2003 fires destroyed a large portion of the Mount Stromlo Observatory, the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the site have come a long way since, 17 years after the horrors of that unforgettable afternoon. It’s now a thriving facility, with researchers working in labs, astronomers observing the heavens, young people attending astronomy outreach programs and even a hot-spot for adventurous mountain bikers to challenge themselves over a range of tracks leading up and down the mountain. They’re even pushing the boundaries of new technology with a facility designed to fire lasers at space debris, safely de-orbiting them to burn up in our atmosphere.

One of the most important outcomes after the fires at Mount Stromlo Observatory was the learning of fire risk management. The unfortunate events that caused so much destruction of the facility also provided an opportunity for learning – such as minimum distances between ignition material like shrubbery and the telescopes, or more administrative capabilities such as the responsibility of asset insurance hosted at research facilities.