1: http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/
2: from a Chinese ham ------------------
"BG8AAS from Chengdu, Sichuan reported that local UHF repeater survived in the disaster. It keeps functioning from the 1st minute and more than 200 local radio hams are now on that repeater. A group of hams from Chengdu has headed for Wenchuan, the center of the quake, trying to setup emergency communication services there.
BA8AB, also from Chengdu, Sichuan, is active on the 40m emergency frequency. Up to now, no further information available from the center zone of the quake. There are a few radio amatuers there, but all of the communications have been cut out, including amatuer radio. ------------------------- Yesterday, 06:58 PM Update
According to BG8AAS, local UHF repeater in Chengdu keeps busy running after the quake. It helps to direct social vehicles to transport the wounded from Dujiangyan, Beichuan, and other regions. Another UHF repeater also starts its working in Mianyan, supported by generators. However, they are going to face a shortage of gas.
Damage in Chengdu remains in the lowest level, but the situation is very very bad in the counties around. A few towns are said to be destroyed completely. More than 7000 died in the town of Beichuan. Casualties in several other towns are still unknown and not counted in the published numbers.
It is a long and sad day. ----------------------- Today, 08:31 AM Your attention please! 14.270Mhz is now reserved for ARES in 5.12 earth quake in Sichuan, China. Please help to keep this frequency clear.
A group of radio amateurs is now transmitting from Wenchuan, the center of quake. Its signal is reported to be very weak. They tried to keep communication with BY8AA in Chengdu, seeking for all resources needed. During a contact finished a few minutes ago, they were asking for raincoats, water, tents, and outdoor living facilities.
PLEASE HELP TO FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ALL RELEVANT FORUMS, MAILING LISTS, AND NEWS RESOURCES. MEANWHILE, KEEP THE ABOVE FREQUENCY CLEAN FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION.
-- Michael Chen, BD5RV/4"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_____________________________________________________________ Hotel pics, info and virtual tours. Click here to book a hotel online. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2111/fc/Ioyw6iiflKGMR21elBgi5bIS47BdnLeq...