From: "Bob Lash" To: Subject: Bracewell Observatory Rescue Effort Update 3/10/06 Date: Friday, March 10, 2006 8:58 PM 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 at http://www.bambi.net/stanford_dishes/photos_general_dynamics/HPIM0852.JPG ) 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 Email: bob@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. -30-