Mt. Wilson Web camera goes down
The UCLA-operated Web camera based at the Mt. Wilson Observatory has ceased functioning due to a server problem, most likely caused by a backfire damaging phone lines that provide Internet service from the site, according to a statement posted on the Web site.
The webcam had functioned for several days as a window onto the observatory as the Station fire has moved closer and closer. Authorities say the fire could overtake the observatory and communications complex by Wednesday morning.
The last image uploaded to the site was taken at 1:49 p.m., and showed smoke surrounding an array of antennas.
-- Monte Morin
Wah! I luv the MtWilCam! I hope the place comes through this OK...
Posted by: James P | September 02, 2009 at 12:37 AM
This blog has more complete information as well as communications with the fire fighters and observatory personnel who have returned to the observatory to help. It looks optimistic.
http://www.chara.gsu.edu/CHARA/fire.php
Posted by: Zelda | September 02, 2009 at 04:36 AM
I pulled a couple of the pics from the webcam yesterday morning around down because I thought they were neat. Didn't think they'd be some of the last ones for a while. Bummer.
Pics from the webcam:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsbluff/3877228885/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsbluff/3878097534/
Posted by: Kari | September 02, 2009 at 08:19 AM
nothing like having an out-of-state link to get the scoop of whats going on
Posted by: Am Staff | September 02, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Why was this area not cleared months or years ago. It seems the grand poo-bahs of the observatory AND the TV, radio, and police departments just don't appreciate the dangers of fire and 40 or more years of fuel buidup. Tragic.
Posted by: Dick Diamond | September 02, 2009 at 09:36 AM
The last picture from the webcam showed a lot of foreground smoke that was actually from backfires -- which was a good sign.
Astronomers from around the world are grateful that fire crews are back on the mountain and in control. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those whose homes are lost or threatened in other areas of the fire.
Posted by: Charley | September 02, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I realized this might happen and started grabbing the images every 2 minutes beginning on the 30th at about 3:45am until it died. I posted a time lapse of all of the images here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-H6awKq9AA
Posted by: Frederick | September 02, 2009 at 01:12 PM
Hope that MWO comes thru this, a science treasure up there in the clouds.
Posted by: John | September 02, 2009 at 04:00 PM