Exceptional Seeing At Dome C in Antarctica
Michael Ashley writes "A paper published in Nature
today reports on the exceptional
astronomical seeing conditions at Dome C (Coral link)
in Antarctica. Obtaining the data posed some significant technological
challenges, given that Dome C is uninhabited over winter. The
experiment was controlled by a PC/104
computer system that had to survive temperatures down to -85C, and
supervise the generation of its own electricity using a jet-fuel
powered stirling engine. The computer, running Linux, communicated with
the outside world using an Iridium
phone. The results are also covered in New
Scientist, and the Sydney
Morning Herald. Disclaimer: I'm a co-author."
for providing a Coral link with his article. Good jorb!
Come to the University of Mars! Classes starting soon!