The volcanic eruption starting Sunday 19 September on La Palma has been widely covered in the media. ING wishes to reassure our user community that the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory has so far been unaffected by the volcanic activity or the tremors that preceded it. The access road is likewise unaffected and activity at the Observatory continues as usual.
The Observatory is located on the northern, older and stable part of the island, while this week's eruption, like the ones in 1949 and 1971, were in the younger, southern half.
The Observatory hasn't been affected by volcanic ashes thanks to the north-eastern direction of the wind (see attached picture), and we will keep watching for wind changes. For now, the INT will continue in normal operation, and upcoming observers will be notified as soon as feasible if a change occurs. The WHT is shut down at present for WEAVE integration.
We thank our users for their questions about the volcanic eruption. Our thoughts are with islanders who have lost their homes or have had to evacuate.
Marc Balcells
ING Director
