Astronomical seeing forecast for the Thai National Observatory

Forecasting the astronomical seeing above an observatory can assist astronomers plan their observations. In this study, the astronomical seeing above the Thai National Observatory (TNO) in Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, Thailand was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The model outputs were then compared to Polaris seeing observations and using the Differential Image Motion Monitor (DIMM). Results showed that the forecasts capture the variation of the astronomical seeing fairly well. However, bias correction is needed on the simulations due to lack of data from meteorological balloons to constrain the model.

Astronomical Seeing at Maidanak Observatory during the Year 2018

Results of a four-month campaign of astronomical seeing measurements at Maidanak astronomical observatory (MAO) are presented. A differential image motion monitor (DIMM) was used for seeing estimations during the period from August to November 2018. The observation was organized within the framework of a site testing for a new telescope which is going to be installed at the observatory. The median value of seeing for the entire period was determined as 0.70 arcseconds, which agrees well with the results of the period 1996–2003. The comparison of monthly values showed that some monthly median values differ from the seasonal trend of the previous period.