RUNNING SPRINGS – (INT) – Vandals have struck at the Mountain Skies Observatory near Rim-of-the-World High School.

Damage has been estimated at $6,000, mostly from small fires that were set outside the building.

Observatory Director Dr. Lorann Parker says it isn’t the first time.

“Last time, there was damage to the dome. We didn’t have that this time, but there was damage to the site itself.”

Dr. Parker says investigators are working with images on security cameras in hopes of identifying the culprits.

The incident will prevent public viewing of Thursday’s solar eclipse at the observatory.

Story Date: October 22, 2014