Wildfires Are Threatening Astronomy, and the Worst Is Yet to Come
Briefly

from www.scientificamerican.com2 months ago
The disastrous convergence of two different forest fires upon Jasper in late July saw 300-foot-high flames launch charred pine cones and embers out ahead of the blaze, with some parts of the fire generating lightning strikes and downdrafts as it moved, all further accelerating the hellish inferno.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-threatening-astronomy-and-the-worst-is-yet-to-come/
As damaging as this event was, it foretells what may be even greater harm and disruption. As they have grown in number and intensity in recent years, wildfires have increasingly threatened our ability to see and study the heavens.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-threatening-astronomy-and-the-worst-is-yet-to-come/
Smoke had marred our telescopes and other equipment. Insurance claim estimates for wildfire-related damages in the park may eventually top $1 billion Canadian.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-threatening-astronomy-and-the-worst-is-yet-to-come/
If we don't find solutions soon, such blazes could usurp light pollution as the most pervasive threat to astronomical observation and our connection to the cosmos.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-are-threatening-astronomy-and-the-worst-is-yet-to-come/
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
#wildfires #astronomy #environmental-impact #jasper-national-park #light-pollution
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