Astronomy Developments and Site Testing in East Africa

[摘要] Two astronomical site testing initiatives are beginning in both Kenya and Ethiopia, with the aim of selecting suitable locations in those countries for initially modest sized (1-2m) optical telescopes. The first project, in Kenya, has to date involved a study of existing meteorological satellite data, from which potential sites have been selected for further studies (see paper by Graham et al. in these proceedings). A similar program of astronomical site testing, including using DIMMs, will begin later in 2014 in the Lalibela region of northern Ethiopia, at three potential sites ranging in altitude from ∼3600 to 4500 m. In parallel to this, the Entoto Observatory and Research Centre (EO), comprising twin 1-m alt-az telescopes, has been established at Mt. Entoto, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, and science operations are due to begin in early 2015.

[发布机构] South African Astronomical Observatory, Observatory 7925, PO Box 9, Cape Town, South Africa^1

[效力级别] 地球科学

[关键词] Addis ababa;Astronomical site testing;East Africa;Ethiopia;Potential sites;Research centres;Science operations;Site-testing