Novel instruments for site characterization

• Main Authors: J. W. V. Storey, M. C. B. Ashley, M. G. Burton
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2000
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; South Pole; Antarc*; Antarctica; South pole
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.70.9425; http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mgb/Antbib/spie00_4008-jwvs.pdf

In order to fully characterize the astronomical potential of remote sites on the antarctic plateau, we have developed a suite of instruments covering UV to sub-millimeter wavelengths. In addition, we have successfully demonstrated the use of an acoustic radar (SODAR) at the South Pole to measure the height of the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer. Each instrument is designed to operate independently and autonomously, producing reliable, fully calibrated data without human intervention. Although designed primarily for use in Antarctica, these instruments use novel technology that is applicable to other astronomical applications as well. Keywords: Site-testing, astronomy, Antarctica