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Bushfires Destroy Historic Mt. Stromlo Observatory

Posted by timothy on from the shame dept.

Anthony writes "The historic Mt Stromlo observatory has been destroyed by fires. Unfortunately Google cache and similar archives are the only available detailed information. Looks like the web site was housed at the observatory. Telescopes housed there were 74" and 50" reflectors along with the "Oddie" 9" refractor used by the Canberra Astronomical Society. Also destroyed were a number of student houses and workshops. The view from the air is one of molten domes and twisted metal. These fires have already destroyed 388 houses in the suburbs of Canberra. Luckily the winds have not picked up today, but the danger is still high."

11 of 296 comments (clear)

  1. The real culprit... by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    "The historic Mt Stromlo observatory has been destroyed by fires. Unfortunately Google cache and similar archives are the only available detailed information. Looks like the web site was housed at the observatory."

    Did the fire that destroyed the site happen before or after the /. story?

  2. Interesting by rmohr02 · · Score: 1, Funny
    Also destroyed were a number of student houses and workshops.... Also destroyed were a number of student houses and workshops.
    Score: -1, Redundant
  3. Ah Progress.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I see that Slashdot is now so efficient that we get the repost before the end of the original story posting.

    It's good to see progress in action! ;)

  4. Re:Translation: by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Let's give a good Slashdotting before the Observatory passed away..."

    Let's all bow our heads and press F5 for a 21-megabit salute.

  5. Re:Bushes fires by Powercntrl · · Score: 1, Funny

    The first time I read the title I was thinking "[George] Bush had fires that damaged the observatory"

    I always thought the term was "brush fires". When you say "bush" I think: 1.) The obvious presidential reference, 2.) The wilderness in the land downunder, 3.) Revenge of the Nerds slang for -ahem-... You've seen the movie.

    All of the sudden, the phrase "bush fires" brings a whole new set of mental images to my mind.

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  6. How The Fire REALLY Started by n3rd · · Score: 4, Funny

    The fire started when some of the lab's employees got drunk and decided to see who could burn more ants using the telescope.

    Professor Frink was in the lead with 13 when they all made another alcohol run and accidently bumped the telescope leaving it pointed at a pile of oily rags in their rush to get "shotgun".

  7. Wow, a Slashdot first. by D.A.+Zollinger · · Score: 3, Funny

    A duplicate within the story. Sources within the Slashdot editing staff were quoted as saying, "We're not going to wait for someone else to submit the story again, we decided to be preemtive, and duplicate the story ourselves!"

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  8. DON'T FORGET TO MENTION... by kyletinsley · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Also destroyed were a number of student houses and workshops."

    Just wanted to make sure everyone heard that part...
  9. Re:From a Canberran .. by The+Good+Jim · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yes. It is boring and sterile. But less crime, I think, we just got bushfires instead.

  10. To all of the smart mouths on slashdot... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Grow up.

  11. Re:CNN article by SmittyTheBold · · Score: 2, Funny

    Why Read CNN when you can read the real australian news at the ABC site.

    So, basically, you're saying to get Austrailian news from the American Broadcasting Company rather than CNN?

    Fa.

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