UPDATE: MAJOR EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

The Coquimbo region of Chile was hit by a Richter 8.3 earthquake at 22:54 UT last night (16 September). The epicenter was off the coast of Chile near the city of Illapel about half way between La Serena and Santiago. This was followed by a Tsunami which effected the whole coast of Chile, but was especially strong in the La Serena / Coquimbo area.

The status of the facilities operated by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Chile following this event are as follows:

None of our staff were injured in the earthquake or subsequent Tsunami. A number have homes in low lying parts of La Serena and Coquimbo and had to evacuate last night following the Tsunami alert, and some have suffered damage to their homes or to the homes of family members.

An initial check of the telescopes carried out shortly after the earthquake last night found no obvious damage. Today staff have carried out a more careful in depth check of the telescopes and delicate instruments.  It appears that the Blanco telescope and the associated Dark Energy Camera are in good condition. Unless there are more subtle problems which can only bet detected on sky we will be able to resume operation tonight. The SMARTS and other small telescopes on Tololo are also in good shape.

The SOAR Telescope did not fare so well. Today's inspection shows that the earthquake has resulted in misalignment of the telescopes azimuth and elevation encoders which prevent it being moved.  SOAR will remain closed over the weekend and work to realign the encoders and resolve any other problem found will continue next week.

Our thoughts are with the many people, our neighbours and friends, who have been affected by the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami.

Summary: 
The Coquimbo region of Chile was hit by a Richter 8.3 earthquake at 22:54 UT last night (16 September). The epicenter was off the coast of Chile near the city of Illapel about half way between La Serena and Santiago. This was followed by a Tsunami which effected the whole coast of Chile, but was especially strong in the La Serena / Coquimbo area. The status of the facilities operated by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Chile following this event are as follows: None of our staff were injured in the earthquake or subsequent Tsunami. A number have homes in low lying parts of La Serena and Coquimbo and had to evacuate last night following the Tsunami alert, and some have suffered damage to their homes or to the homes of family members. An initial check of the telescopes carried out shortly after the earthquake last night found no obvious damage. Today staff have carried out a more careful in depth check of the telescopes and delicate instruments.  It appears that the Blanco telescope and the associated Dark Energy Camera are in good condition. Unless there are more subtle problems which can only bet detected on sky we will be able to resume operation tonight. The SMARTS and other small telescopes on Tololo are also in good shape. The SOAR Telescope did not fare so well. Today's inspection shows that the earthquake has resulted in misalignment of the telescopes azimuth and elevation encoders which prevent it being moved.  SOAR will remain closed over the weekend and work to realign the encoders and resolve any other problem found will continue next week. Our thoughts are with the many people, our neighbours and friends, who have been affected by the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami.