The Kitt Peak National Observatory is located in Arizona and is home to one of the largest collections of astronomy equipment in the US.
The National Science Foundation, which runs the observatory, made an announcement on Thursday as the Contreras Fire approached the buildings.
The fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access. The fire is being pushed to the north by hot and dry winds.
Satellites watch fires in New Mexico.
The staff was told to leave the mountain at 1:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
A firefighter crew is on the summit in case the fire gets close to the buildings.
Fire hoses have been put to use. The firefighters are trying to slow the advance on the southern end of the observatory.
The firefighters are concentrating on removing brush on the slopes and having spotters watch for fires. The key instruments have been protected. The telescopes have been covered to protect them from ash and smoke.
An update on the #ContrerasFire near @KittPeakNatObs: https://t.co/IMujoLAnGl. We continue to be grateful to the firefighters who are dropping fire retardant and removing brush on the slopes. Observ. is evacuated and safety is our top priority. 📷:KPNO/@NOIRLabAstro/@NSF/@AURADC pic.twitter.com/NiwjepvfLwJune 16, 2022
You can see more.
The situation will be brought to the attention of the public on the social networking site. Figuring out the structure of the universe is one of the discoveries made at Kitt, which was founded in 1959.
The United States has seen an increase in severe weather that is linked to global warming.
A massive California fire came within a few miles of an alien-hunting radio telescope array from the SETI Institute.
The Mount Wilson Observatory, best known for the discovery that the universe is expanding, was dangerously close to two fast-burning fires in September of 2009.
You can follow Elizabeth on the social networking site. We encourage you to follow us on social media:
All Rights Reserved © 2024
