ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVING CONDITIONS IN THE SOUTHWEST
Abstract
An analysis, for the purpose of selecting observatory sites, was made of the night-time cloud coverage in the southwestern US on the basis of synoptic weathermap data from 20 stations. Monthly and annual averages of the number of clear hours per night were obtained for each station for the period 1939 to 1946 with about 5% probable errors for the annual averages. Tabulatedmonthly averages determined for the 20 stations, and White Sands in an independent analysis, indicate that the best observatory site is the region within 100 mi of Yuma, Ariz., where, on the average, 6.8 hr/night are clear and good weather prevails all year. A chart of the southwest is included which shows contours of equal annual averages of nightly observable time based on 0.3-hr intervals. The chart is considered a useful guide for observatory-site locations for regions where the weather station net is dense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0014046
Entities
People
- Harlan J. Smith
- Richard E. Mccrosky
Organizations
- Harvard College Observatory