Observatory Site Selection Using AAVSO Observation Reports (Abstract)

Volume 31 number 2 (2003)

Lewis M. Cook

William Albrecht

Michael Saladyga

Abstract

(Abstract only) Many factors are involved in selecting an observing site, but the most important one is the amount of clear skies. Where complete weather observation data is absent, an active AAVSO observer in a location under consideration indirectly provides reliable data on sky conditions. Since an observation confirms suitable weather conditions, data submitted to AAVSO can be used to indicate the minimum amount of useable skies. Data from William Albrecht (AB), a very active AAVSO Observer living in Pahala, Hawaii, were analyzed to form an impression of the quantity of clear skies over nearly 20 years of observations. From the analysis, quantitative information on the site characteristics was obtained.