Searching potential astronomical sites in Ethiopia

TL;DR

This study identifies and evaluates 21 potential astronomical sites in Ethiopia using multi-criteria analysis, aiming to support the development of observatories and promote sustainable astrotourism in the region.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic multi-criteria statistical analysis approach to select potential astronomical sites in Ethiopia from 367 mountains.

Findings

21 high-potential sites identified for future observatory development

Mapped potential sites to assess astronomical seeing conditions

Supports sustainable development of astronomy and astrotourism in Ethiopia

Abstract

This work aims to choose potential astronomical sites that can be candidates for a new astronomical optical observatory in Ethiopia, in addition to the Entoto Observatory and Lalibela sites. For our primary investigation, the six basic criteria, namely the altitude of the mountains, artificial light pollution, cloud coverage, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, are taken into account. Consequently, using the multi-criteria statistical analysis (MCSA) techniques, 21 high-potential places are selected and presented for further investigation out of 367 mountains. Those selected mountains are mapped and presented to study the future of the astronomical seeing effect. This study may contribute to the protection of those potential astronomical sites and their dark skies and the development of astrotourism for the sustainable development of modern astronomy in Ethiopia and in the East African region.