Summary
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’) 150kms 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.
Authors:Saunders W. Lawrence J.S. Storey J.W.V. Ashley M.C.B. Kato S. Minnis P. Winker D.M. Liu G. Kulesa C.
Published in: 2010
Category 3: Conference paper
Program area: Space and Atmospheric Sciences
Saunders W., Lawrence J.S., Storey J.W.V., Ashley M.C.B., Kato S., Minnis P., Winker D.M., Liu G., Kulesa C.
(2010)
The best site on Earth?,
Proceedings of the 3rd ARENA Conference, EAS Publications Series
40.
89-96;