Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite

Details Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite

2010-11-22

arxiv.org/abs/1011.4815v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Comparing the number of clear nights (cloud free) available for astronomical observations is a critical task because it should be based on homogeneous methodologies. Current data are mainly based on different judgements based on observer logbooks or on different instruments. In this paper we present a new homogeneous methodology on very different astronomical sites for modern optical astronomy, in order to quantify the available night time fraction. The data are extracted from night time GOES12 satellite infrared images and compared with ground based conditions when available. In this analysis we introduce a wider average matrix and 3-Bands correlation in order to reduce the noise and to distinguish between clear and stable nights. Temporal data are used for the classification. In the time interval 2007-2008 we found that the percentage of the satellite clear nights is 88% at Paranal, 76% at La Silla, 72.5% at La Palma, 59% at Mt. Graham and 86.5% at Tolonchar. The correlation analysis of the three GOES12 infrared bands B3, B4 and B6 indicates that the fraction of the stable nights is lower by 2% to 20% depending on the site.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fraction of clear skies above astronomical sites: a new analysis from the GOES12 satellite will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-657657