A cloud detector for automated telescopes
Abstract
An instrument is described that can detect clouds at night-time by sensing their infrared emission. The device can readily detect clouds that are difficult to see with the unaided eye on a moon-lit night. It can be used to provide an indication of how photometric the conditions are, to terminate exposures when cloud forms, and to close the dome when conditions become unsuitable for observing. The detector also has applications as an astronomical site-surveying instrument.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1323358000024449
- Bibcode:
- 1991PASA....9..334A
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Clouds (Meteorology);
- Instrument Approach;
- Telescopes;
- Design Analysis;
- Ibm Personal Computers;
- Instrumentation and Photography