AN AUTOMATED observatory has begun monitoring Antarctica鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really interested in
determining how dark it is at various wavelengths,鈥� says Michael Ashley of the
University of New South Wales.
The $2-million project is backed by Ashley鈥檚 university, the
Australian National University, Australia鈥檚 national research agency and
the US National Science Foundation.
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