Several prominent global astronomical observatories have disclosed experiencing cyberattacks that led to brief operational suspensions.

The National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), overseen by the National Science Foundation, revealed that a cybersecurity event on August 1st compelled them to temporarily cease activities at both the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and the Gemini South Telescope in Chile.

In addition, the incident impacted smaller telescopes situated on Cerro Tololo in Chile, Space .com reported.

“Our staff are working with cybersecurity experts to get all the impacted telescopes and our website back online as soon as possible and are encouraged by the progress made thus far,” NOIRLab wrote in a statement on its website on Aug. 24.

The precise nature and origin of the cyberattacks remain uncertain.

Written by staff