Telescope out of order

Article by Heather-Lynn Evanson

STARGAZERS who usually flock to the Harry Bayley Observatory have been left without a high-powered telescope to peer through.

Last week’s lightning strike during a passing tropical wave may have damaged the observatory’s system, resulting in the facility being closed until further notice.

Last week Wednesday, the Clapham, St Michael building was struck by lightning around 4 p.m. Reports were that smoke was seen coming from the dome of the observatory.

At that time, officials of the Barbados Astronomical Society were hoping that the lightning strike had not damaged the computer systems, which control the high-powered Meade LX600 Cassegrain telescope located in the dome. (HLE)

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