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An Automated DIMM Telescope for Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

Michael A. Dopita
Affiliation:
Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston Creek PO, ACT 2611, Australia. Michael.Dopita@anu.edu.au
Peter R. Wood
Affiliation:
Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston Creek PO, ACT 2611, Australia. Michael.Dopita@anu.edu.au
Gary R. Hovey
Affiliation:
Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston Creek PO, ACT 2611, Australia. Michael.Dopita@anu.edu.au

Abstract

A knowledge of the on-ice seeing is a key requirement for planning future Antarctic observatories. In this paper we discuss the likely negative impact on seeing produced by the development of the deep winter surface temperature inversion (Ekman layer). The Automated Astronomical Site Testing Observatory (AASTO) will deploy, as one of its complement of site-testing instruments, an automated differential image motion monitor (DIMM) telescope designed to generate seeing data throughout the Antarctic winter. Here we describe the multi-aperture concept which has been developed for this mission, and touch upon some of the critical technological considerations associated with the low power budget and with the requirement of autonomous operation at very low temperature (–90°C).

Type
The First JACARA International Antarctic Astronomy Meeting
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 1996

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