 Bracewell
Observatory rescue effort update
To all Bracewell Observatory rescue supporters.
I just received word that in spite of our best efforts, and in spite
of an expected August 4th State hearing to rule on its historical status,
Stanford began demolition of the five 60 foot dishes of the Bracewell
Observatory today. A copy of Stanford's press announcement is attached.
Why Stanford has been so determined to demolish the observatory, for
no compelling reason, remains an enigma.
We're not giving up the ship!
We will continue to pursue our goal of opening up the world of radio
astronomy to students and the community.
General Dynamics here in Mountain View, about 15 minutes south of the
Bracewell Observatory is about to decommission a 45 foot dish (see photo)
which they said they would be willing to make available at no charge for
educational use. As you can see from the photo, this dish could be converted
into an exciting public radio telescope, and provide access for amateur
projects of all kinds, ranging from SETI to AMSAT.
We will also continue our effort to preserve and present the history
and scientific contributions made by Professor Bracewell and his colleagues
at the Bracewell Observatory.
I would like to express my gratitude to all of you, including our many
enthusiastic supporters among Stanford faculty, students, and alumni,
our 71 dedicated volunteers, local residents, members of the Society of
Amateur Radio Astronomers, the SETI League, the Society for Amateur Scientists,
and people around the world who made every effort to save the Observatory.
You are to be commended.
I will update you as I know more.
Best wishes as always,
Bob
Bob Lash, M.D.
President
Friends of the Bracewell Observatory Association
567 Canyon Road
Redwood City, CA 94062
H: (650) 365-5671
M: (650) 888-2372
Fax: (650) 365-6906
Email: bob@<no spam>bambi.net
http://www.bambi.net/stanford_dishes/rescue.html
STANFORD NEWS RELEASE
March 10, 2006
Contact: Elaine Ray, News Service: (650) 723-7162, ray@stanford.edu
Relevant Web URLs:
Demolition delayed for decaying radio antenna farm with glorious past
Stanford University begins removal of Site 515 antennas
Stanford University today began the process of removing five radio antennas
at Site 515 that were decommissioned for research purposes in 1979. The
removal process is likely to take up to a week.
The antennas' concrete mounting piers, with carved signatures of many
visiting scientists, are being preserved, and the university is looking
for a suitable place to relocate them on campus.
For almost two years, the School of Engineering gave serious consideration
to the possibility of restoring and operating the antennas. After looking
at all the possibilities that were brought forward, including some from
outside the university, the university concluded that there was no program
for use of the dishes that served its academic mission. While various
ideas were suggested, none of the proposals received the support of academic
departments or faculty members—managerial and financial support
that would be critical if the site were used for teaching or research.
Site 515 and the five dishes were last used in research conducted 30
years ago. In the intervening years, research and teaching have progressed
in a way that makes the academic use of these antennas impractical and
inefficient. No compelling academic mission was identified that would
justify the substantial resources necessary to restore and operate the
dishes.
Removing the dishes in no way diminishes the recognition of the significant
research contributions made by Professor Ron Bracewell at Site 515, particularly
through the use of the original 32 dishes that were dismantled in the
1970s. The antennas and buildings at Site 515 are not historic under any
definition contained in the General Use Permit, Santa Clara County ordinances
or Stanford's own stringent guidelines and practices for historic structures.
The university evaluated the dishes using the same criteria used to preserve
many historic buildings on campus and found that they do not warrant preservation.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The removal of the antennas is not open to press coverage.
However, the News Service can provide photographic and other background
material on the site. Contact the News Service at (650) 723-2558.
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