Potential Observatory Sites Research Articles

The best site on Earth?

We compare the merits of potential observatory sites on the Antarctic Plateau, in regard to the boundary layer, cloud cover, free atmosphere seeing, aurorae, airglow, and precipitable water vapour. We find that (a) all Antarctic sites are likely compromised for optical work by airglow and aurorae; (b) Dome A is the best existing site in almost all respects; (c) there is an even better site (“Ridge A”) 150 kms SW of Dome A; (d) Dome F is a remarkably good site except for aurorae; (e) Dome C probably has the least cloud cover of any of the sites, and might be able to use a predicted `OH hole' in the Spring.

Atmospheric water vapour content over La Silla Paranal Observatory

Water vapour is the principle source of opacity at infrared wavelengths in the earth's atmosphere. Measurements of atmospheric water vapour serve two primary purposes when considering operation of an observatory: long-term monitoring of precipital water vapour (PWV) is useful for characterizing potential observatory sites, and real-time monitoring of PWV is useful for optimizing use, in particular for mid-IR observations.

Where Is the Best Site on Earth? Domes A, B, C, and F, and Ridges A and B

ABSTRACTThe Antarctic plateau contains the best sites on earth for many forms of astronomy, but none of the existing bases was selected with astronomy as the primary motivation. In this article, we try to systematically compare the merits of potential observatory sites. We include South Pole, Domes A, C, and F, and also Ridge B (running northeast from Dome A), and what we call “Ridge A” (running southwest from Dome A). Our analysis combines satellite data, published results, and atmospheric models, to compare the boundary layer, weather, aurorae, airglow, precipitable water vapor, thermal sky emission, surface temperature, and the free atmosphere, at each site. We find that all Antarctic sites are likely to be compromised for optical work by airglow and aurorae. Of the sites with existing bases, Dome A is easily the best overall; but we find that Ridge A offers an even better site. We also find that Dome F is a remarkably good site. Dome C is less good as a thermal infrared or terahertz site, but would be able to take advantage of a predicted “OH hole” over Antarctica during spring.

Commission 50: Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites

AbstractSignificant and specific progress has been made in protecting major astronomical sites during the last three years. A brief summary is given, along with references to some of the efforts by members of Commission 50 to control light pollution and radio-frequency interference.

A New Optical Observatory in Turkey

Site-testing observations carried out between 1982 and 1986 have shown that Southwest and Southeast Turkey contain good potential observatory sites. The mountain known as Bakirhtepe near the Mediterranean coast was found to be a good site with a high percentage of nights with clear skies and good seeing.Here we summarize the results of the site-test observations and give general information about the site.

Commission 50; Identification and Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites

At the XIXth General Assembly our Commission held two meetings during the course of which the following papers were presented:

50. Identification and Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites

While a number of site testing campaigns are in progress throughout the world, the dominant efforts seem to be associated with plans for very large telescopes. These plans, improved telescope technology, and the realization that astronomical observations from space will put increasing demands on ground-based observing facilities have given new impetus to site identification and to the optimum utilization of existing sites. A most excellent review of the factors involved in site identification is now available in the Proceedings of the ESO Workshop on Site Testing for Future Large Telescopes, edited by A. Ardeberg and L. Woltjer 1981. These Proceedings and Woolf’s review (1982, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 20 367) provide a solid background of current site evaluation factors.

OBSERVATORY-SITE RECONNAISSANCE

ABSTRACT A cartographic exploration for potential observatory sites in the southwestern United States has been made. The purpose of the investigation was to supply some answers to questions as to the number of such sites and their characteristics. Criteria used in the selection included: possible seeing-related considerations, low sky brightness in the optical and in the infrared regions of the spectrum, and probability of clear weather. The search yielded a total of 56 peaks meeting the adopted criteria; 24 were in Nevada, with the remainder about equally divided between Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Rough quantitative characterizations have been provided as an aid to ranking the peaks according to various notions of desirability. According to these, Wheeler Peak, in eastern Nevada, stands out as the most promising site in the region surveyed.

50. Identification and Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites

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50. Identification and Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites

Whereas the identification of existing or potential observatory sites was an important part of the report for the first three years of existence of Commission 50, during the period 1976-78 the emphasis has been mostly on establishing recommendations for the protection of observing conditions.