Creating an Infrastructure for LSST All-Sky Camera Site Data
Abstract
The science drivers behind the LSST project require that the LSST be able to observe in less than ideal conditions. Better knowledge of the structure function of clouds over the LSST site will assist with photometric calibration of LSST data. A program was created that identifies reference stars in an image from an all-sky camera located in Chile. The program then calculates an apparent magnitude and position data for the stars in the image and then these values are recorded. A pipeline was made to run an automated version of the program and to store the results in a database. Early light curves show that air mass extinction values can be extracted and cloud structures can be seen with the photometry data. The LSST project will be able to take the pipeline and use the output to model variations in clouds and air masses. Shirtz was supported by the NOAO/KPNO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program which is funded by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program and the Department of Defense ASSURE program through Scientific Program Order No. 13 (AST-0754223) of the Cooperative Agreement No. AST-0132798 between the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and the NSF.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22134519S