However, the "altiplanic winter" struck somewhat harder than expected, bringing unprecedented rains to the Atacama, washing away roads and damaging buildings (apparently construction in this area doesn't usually worry about being very weather proof). The observatory was evacuated for a short time, roads had to be reinforced, cables re-buried and roofs patched before we were able to return to operations as planned. All this happened while we were in Santiago... Tonight was the first night of observations, and I could tell as we drove to the observatory that the area had seen some precipitation, because I saw green for the first time around here. But, otherwise, I don't notice much damage. The desert seems to have happily soaked up the extra water.
 |
| Greenery in the high plains, and snow in the mountains (volcanoes?) in the driest desert on earth... |
Now, I'm left to decide how to structure my days. My obligations are to be in the control room from 10:30 pm - 6:30 am, and I'll try to attend the daily group meeting at 3 pm. Also fitting in a few hours for writing up my own research (trying to channel the good science vibes here), and hopefully some time for exercise and/or exploration around the site, I figure I can try for some solid sleep in the morning or the evening. And I won't forget to take some breaks to step outside and enjoy the clear sky at night, and the beautiful sunrise over the mountains.
No comments:
Post a Comment