Sky Brightness and Atmospheric Extinction at A.N.R.A.O., Parkes and Siding Spring Observatory

Abstract

AbstractIn May 1984 site testing began for the Automated Patrol Telescope. A series of atmospheric extinction and night sky brightness measurements were made over the following year at Parkes and Siding Spring Mountain using B and V filters. Parkes revealed an extinction greater than that of Siding Spring and more prone to variation. Results for the night sky brightness indicated Parkes has a sky slightly brighter than that at Siding Spring. The paper discusses the procedures used for obtaining the results and their limitations.