Global Weather for the Astronomical Observatories

TL;DR

This paper analyzes geographic and atmospheric factors affecting astronomical observatory site selection, revealing correlations and differences between hemispheres, and providing a comprehensive dataset for future site assessments.

Contribution

It introduces a multi-factor statistical analysis of observatory site conditions using astroGIS data, including new insights into hemispheric differences and the impact of elevation.

Findings

Northern hemisphere sites generally have better conditions.

Higher elevation correlates with improved atmospheric conditions.

No significant long-term trends observed in factors.

Abstract

Astronomical sites occupying observing instruments have to be selected according to many factors. Among these factors, geographic location of the site and quality of atmosphere above the site play an important role in the decision process. The following factors were chosen to create layers at their geographic locations (observatories: 1905 northern, 235 southern) from the \href{https://www.astrogis.org}{astroGIS database}: CC (cloud coverage), PWV (precipitable water vapor), AOD (atmospheric optical depth), VWV (vertical wind velocity) and HWV (horizontal wind velocity). In order to estimate astronomical importance of geographic location of the sites and quality of airmass above the sites, DEM (digital elevation model) and LAT (latitude of observatory location) layers were also included. Two periodic variations have been produced from these factors: monthly and annual averages. In addition to the variations or trends a complete statistical analysis was carried out for all factors to investigate the potential correlations between the factors: There is a clear difference between northern and southern hemispheres. Exchange of meteorological seasons between hemispheres are also compliant within factors. The geographical locations of most of the observatories found to be "not suitable": On the average, DEM is low (550 m), CC is high (70\%) and PWV is high (14 mm). There seems to be no apparent long-term variations and/or patterns in all factors. We once again confirm the common expectation of astronomy: \textit{as DEM increases astronomical conditions get better} (CC, PWV and AOD gets lower values). All the results will be made available online through astroGIS database.