How did the 2003 wildfires affect Canberra and Mount Stromlo Observatory?

In early 2003, devastating wildfires struck Canberra and its surrounding suburbs, resulting in the destruction of approximately 500 homes and the tragic loss of several lives.1

The Mount Stromlo Observatory was also severely impacted by these fires. On January 18, 2003, the bushfire destroyed all five of the observatory's telescopes. While some of the facilities were subsequently rebuilt, the site was only partially restored following the disaster.21