Palomar Observatory Expected To Weather Fire Storm

Caltech News Release
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2003

Palomar Observatory Expected To Weather Fire Storm

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN, Calif. - The tragic fires that continue to affect San
Diego County remind us all just how fragile life and property can be.
Currently fires are slowly approaching the area of Palomar Mountain,
home to the California Institute of Technology's historic Palomar
Observatory.

Smoke and ash from the fires have put a temporary end to the
Observatory's nightly observations, but the Observatory itself is not
threatened. In fact the dome of the 200-inch telescope is a safe place for
and has been selected as an evacuation point for the Palomar Mountain
Community .

"The builders of Palomar realized the potential fire danger and designed the
200-inch Hale Telescope to survive a fire. It is constructed with two layers
of concrete and steel. Also, in recent months our maintenance staff along
with foresters have removed dead and dying trees from the Observatory
grounds. We are prepared for the worst," says Palomar Observatory's
superintendent, Bob Thicksten. It doesn't hurt that the Observatory has
its own million gallon water tank, an array of fire hydrants and staff
members who double as volunteer firefighters as well. Thicksten has worked
tirelessly to maintain a working relationship with the local fire
department, the United States Forest Service and the California Department
of Forestry (CDF), which has its own fire station less than half a mile
from the Observatory's main gate.

The Palomar Observatory will issue further press statements as necessary.

MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Kardel, Palomar Public Affairs Director