AN AUTOMATED observatory has begun monitoring Antarctica’s skies in an
attempt to identify the darkest place on Earth. Its observations will help
astronomers pick the best place for a new telescope designed to take advantage
of the continent’s clear skies and dark winters.
Six instruments on the Automated Astronomical Site-Testing Observatory will
measure the quality of the night skies for a year. “We’re really interested in
determining how dark it is at various wavelengths,” says Michael Ashley of the
University of New South Wales.
The $2-million project is backed by Ashley’s university, the
Australian National University, Australia’s national research agency and
the US National Science Foundation.
