Optimisation of low-cost astronomical site testing techniques

Abstract

“Seeing” is the term used in astronomy to quantify the steadiness of the atmosphere. Seeing affects the performance of large optical telescopes by determining the obtainable spatial resolution of the image. It is therefore of great significance in selecting optimum sites for astronomical observatories. A low cost technique for the measurement of seeing has been developed and optimised to help USQ astronomers select optimum sites for the installation of telescopes of aperture 0.5 to 1.0m. This is needed for a NASA funded collaboration with the University of Louisville, Northern Kentucky University, and the Cosmos Centre in Western Queensland.