Automated Site Testing from Antarctica

Over the past decade we have developed a series of increasingly sophisticated robotic instruments for site testing in Antarctica. These range from exceedingly low power cloud monitors to fully autonomous 30 cm telescopes, and cover from the ultraviolet to the submm. These instruments have been very successful at characterising the Antarctic sky, and have demonstrated beyond doubt the advantages Antarctic plateau sites offer over observatories at temperate locations. 1 Site Testing Laboratories The unique Antarctic environment requires unique engineering solutions be applied to astronomical site testing experiments. The isolation and extreme conditions of Antarctic plateau sites necessitate facilities with reliable power and heat generation systems, and autonomous control and communications systems. The University of New South Wales has deployed two Antarctic site testing facilities, the Automated Astrophysical Site Testing Observatory (AASTO) at the US Amundsen Scott South Pole station, and the Automated Astrophysical Site Testing INternational Observatory (AASTINO) at the French/Italian Dome C station.