| Summary: | Consistently superb observing conditions are crucial for achieving the scientific objectives of a telescope. Submillimeter astronomy is possible only at a few exceptionally dry sites, notably Mauna Kea, the Antarctic plateau, and the Chajnantor region in the high Andes east of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. Long term measurements of 225 GHz and 350 μm atmospheric transparency demonstrate all three locations enjoy significant periods of excellent observing conditions. Conditions on the Chajnantor plateau and at the South Pole are better more often than on Mauna Kea. Conditions are better during winter and at night. Near the summit of Cerro Chajnantor, conditions are better than on the Chajnantor plateau. © 2011 Instituto de AstronomÃa, UNAM. It is a pleasure to thank the many colleagues who have contributed to these measurements. Jeff Peterson initiated development of the 350 μm tippers. CCAT site evaluation is carried out in the Parque Astronómico Atacama in northern Chile under the auspices of the Programa de AstronomÃa, a program of the Comisión Nacional de Investigacón CientÃfica y Tecnológica de Chile (CONICYT). CCAT site evaluation received partial support from the National Science Foundation (AST-0431503). The NRAO is a facility of the NSF operated under a cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) is operated by the California Institute of Technology with funding from the NSF (AST-0838261). Published - A9RCCA3.pdf Submitted - 1107.5633v1.pdf
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