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The Maragheh observatory site was excavated in 1970. Prior to the excavation, there was very little known about this architectural masterpiece. The observatory was constructed on the top of a hill called "Rasad Dāghi". In fact, Samarkand and Jaipur observatories had derived the idea and astronomical units from the Maragheh construction. So, we can use those as comparisons while aiming to better understand and interpret the existing works in order to properly reconstruct the Maragheh observatory. Compared to similar monuments in India, the Maragheh observatory can be renovated only using the Maragheh architectural units. Comparing existing evidence of observation, including archaeological, historical and scientific evidence, will lead us to better understand the realities of the original design. With the reference to the architecture of the existing ancient observatories, the hypothesis was that through a comparative study, an architectural algorithm/pattern could be found and used to determine the shape and arrangement of the Maragheh observatory. The main objective here is to compare the historical and archaeological evidence of Iran's observation instruments with other countries in order to develop the knowledge of Archaeoastronomy. The sky and astronomical phenomenon provided the tools for time reckoning, calendar organization and celestial navigation that supported those human voyages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Wind & Waves, an atmospheric observatory which structure aimed to record the wind. Topics discussed include the observatory is composed of a series of hallways made from clotheslines, 180 sheets generated a shifting sonic ambiance and the sound was direct, however resonated within the chambers of memory. Also mentioned observatory's volunteer Linda Perez.

The article discusses the planning and construction of the first observatory of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 1906. This observatory was called, the Dominion Observatory. Astronomers who were involved in the planning and design of the observatory include William Christie and Sir Wiliam Huggins. Project expenses include the conduct of Society business.

Abstract: The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) experiment is a high energy gamma ray observatory which is currently under construction in the Sierra Negra, Mexico, at an altitude of 4100m. It will detect gamma-ray induced atmospheric particle showers on the ground. The water Cherenkov particle detection technique allows for full day observations of a large fraction of the sky. HAWC is the successor of Milagro. Because of the higher altitude, size and improved detector design, the sensitivity of HAWC will be ≈15× higher than the sensitivity of Milagro. Besides a triggered data acquisition system (DAQ) searching for individual air shower events, a scaler DAQ counting all signals in the HAWC photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) above a fixed threshold is available. The large sky coverage of about 1.5sr and high duty cycle of HAWC increases its detection potential for transient sources like gamma ray bursts (GRBs). The sensitive energy range of the scaler DAQ overlaps at low energies with the energy range of the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard the Fermi satellite. We demonstrate that GRBs with a high energy spectral component (E γ ≳30GeV) seen by the LAT are also visible for the HAWC scaler DAQ. The properties of the GRB spectra at high energies provide information about e ±-pair attenuation inside of GRB jets, extra-galactic background light (EBL) absorption and the maximum energy to which particles can be accelerated in GRBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We are investigating the possibility to construct a radio Askaryan neutrino observatory in a salt mine. The first step is to determine the optimal geometry such that the cost of experiment remains small but detection is still possible. For that we analyze the characteristics of the radio signal on its propagation from the site of the shower to a point where it intersects the radio antenna. We make a threshold analysis for such a detector, taking into account how the pulse couples to a realistic receiver. The signal-to-noise ratio limiting situation is also presented. In the end we calculate a single receiver effective volume. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the origin of the Kilauea Volcano observatory in Hawaii. It states that the said structure was initiated by Thomas Jaggar of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1912. It notes that the move has resulted from the desire of Jaggar to establish geonomical stations that would provide opportunities to learn about Earth and the ways to prevent future disasters. INSET: The Bosch-Omori seismograph.

Coupling of the solar wind to the Earth magnetosphere/ionosphere is primarily through the high latitude regions, and there are distinct advantages in making remote sensing observations of these regions with a network of ground-based observatories over other techniques. The Antarctic continent is ideally situated for such a network, especially for optical studies, because the larger offset between geographic and geomagnetic poles in the south enables optical observations at a larger range of magnetic latitudes during the winter darkness. The greatest challenge for such ground-based observations is the generation of power and heat for a sizable ground station that can accommodate an optical imaging instrument. Under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, we have developed suitable automatic observing platforms, the Automatic Geophysical Observatories (AGOs) for a network of six autonomous stations on the Antarctic plateau. Each station housed a suite of science instruments including a dual wavelength intensified all-sky camera that records the auroral activity, an imaging riometer, fluxgate and search-coil magnetometers, and ELF/VLF and LM/MF/HF receivers. Originally these stations were powered by propane fuelled thermoelectric generators with the fuel delivered to the site each Antarctic summer. A by-product of this power generation was a large amount of useful heat, which was applied to maintain the operating temperature of the electronics in the stations. Although a reasonable degree of reliability was achieved with these stations, the high cost of the fuel air lift and some remaining technical issues necessitated the development of a different type of power unit. In the second phase of the project we have developed a power generation system using renewable energy that can operate automatically in the Antarctic winter. The most reliable power system consists of a type of wind turbine using a simple permanent magnet rotor and a new type of power control system with variable resistor shunts to regulate the power and dissipate the excess energy and at the same time provide heat for a temperature controlled environment for the instrument electronics and data system. We deployed such systems and demonstrated a high degree of reliability in several years of operation in spite of the relative unpredictability of the Antarctic environment. Sample data are shown to demonstrate that the AGOs provide key measurements, which would be impossible without the special technology developed for this type of observing platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic buildings dedicated to scientific research are rarely mentioned in architectural heritage literature, or are relegated to novelty interest status. However, astronomy is one of the few sciences to possess unique, purpose-built and, in many cases, easily recognizable buildings. They have been central to significant advances in navigation, accurate timekeeping and refining the calendar; all in addition to their obvious use for wider investigation of the cosmos. There are many observatory buildings in the UK associated with institutions or historic figures. There are also historic monuments that most would not recognize as observatories, but which have been used for astronomical observation or specifically built for the purpose. This paper seeks to heighten awareness of observatories in this UNESCO International Year of Astronomy 2009, by discussing their historic development, their relative rarity and, through examples, the conservation status of some of these highly specialized buildings, which continue to survive even though modern astronomical observation is now performed elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at the difficulties encountered by the Accademia de' Regi Studi (later known as the University of Palermo) in creating an astronomical observatory. It is noted that in order for the instrument to work properly a large circle would need to be constructed with less than one second of arc error. Jesse Ramsden, who became famous for constructing such a circle at the Dunsink Observatory, was hired to accomplish the task. The efforts of mathematician Giuseppe Piazzi to ensure the project was completed in time are discussed.

The article discusses the contributions by the International Permafrost Association (IPA) to the anniversary of the International Polar Year (IPY) in 2009 in the U.S. These contributions include Permafrost Observatory Project: A Contribution to the Thermal State of Permafrost, Arctic Circum-Polar Coastal Observatory Network and Carbon Pools in Permafrost Regions. Through these programs, IPA members intend to develop a new generation of researchers which will further make a study on permafrosts. They also wish to establish a permanent International Network of Permafrost Observatories.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is currently being constructed at the 5000 m Chajnantor plateau in the Chilean Andes. ALMA has been designed and is being built to deliver transformational science in the millimeter and submillimeter regime for many years to come. We briefly describe the project status and timeline. The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX), built at the same site, is already operational and proves to be an effective survey instrument. We discuss which niches in millimeter/submillimeter astronomy will remain open for a possible facility in Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1998, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has deployed an array of fast electric field change sensors in New Mexico and Florida in support of LANL’s satellite lightning observations. In April 2004, all the sensors were significantly upgraded and improved, and a new array was deployed in north-central Florida. This paper describes the operations of the new array and reports the first 12 months of lightning observations. The new array is about 10 times more sensitive than the previous one and can capture millions of discharge events during a stormy day in Florida. In this paper, the array’s lightning location accuracy, minimum detectable peak current, and ratio of intracloud-to-cloud-to-ground flashes are analyzed. Some case studies that illustrate the storm evolution, lightning classification, and radar comparisons are presented. A new three-dimensional capability of the array is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on problems faced by the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) and its efforts to find an alternative construction site. It states that protestors have blocked construction of TMT at Mauna Kea, Hawaii and mentions potential problems with a secondary site at La Palma in the Canary Islands. It comments that the lower altitude and humidity would impede on mid-infrared telescopy and could result in Canadian financial support could be withdrawn if the TMT is not constructed at Mauna Kea.

The article offers the author's insights on construction of an observatory in Keighley, West Yorkshire in England. The author states that the run-off roof design was chosen because it is easier to construct and for security purposes. He mentions that the building which is 9 by 7 feet is almost made entirely of timber. He adds that an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) was installed to avoid power cuts.

The article discusses the Dunsink Observatory of Dublin, Ireland and the history of installation of the telescope's Ramsden Circle and its objective lens. Construction problems are explained that delayed the Ramsden Circle installation from 1785 until 1808. The article refers to a paper on the history of the Dunsink Ramsden Circle authored by I. Chinnici that appeared in a past issue. That paper is said to discuss the theft of the Dunsink Circle in 1981. The article then discusses a remaining piece of the Ramsden Circle at Dunsink, that being the objective of the telescope.

The article discusses the challenges in building the India Neutrino Observatory's (INO's) facility and laboratories (labs), including the denying of building permits for environmental protection purposes.

The article reports on the planned construction of the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-Ray Observatory (HAWC) nestled at 4100 meters on the slopes of an extinct volcano Sierra Negra in Mexico City, Mexico, which will start up on August 21, 2014.

The article focuses on the care of an Antarctic telescope. It explains the sensitivity of telescopes to terahertz radiation, as well as the approach to protect telescopes from such radiation, and the storage of telescope at Antarctica Dome A region. The article also discusses the efforts of the author and Craig Kulesa of the University of Arizona, to design and build an observatory infrastructure.

The article offers information on the new observatory of the London Centre (LC) which opened on October 20, 2012 through a party headed by centre's president Rick Saunders. It states that the LC had negotiated with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Elgin Stewardship Council to set up the observatory at the Fingal Wildlife Management Area. It discusses the features of the structure including the Warm Up Room (WUR), the Observatory One (OBS1), and the incomplete SkyShed OBS2.

The article presents information on the spherical design of observatory domes. It has been informed that spherical design become prevalent due to various engineering advantages related to it including its light weight, strength and minimal surface area. It also provides methods to prepare observatory dome, which is basically composed of about equal triangles whose vertices lie on the surface of a sphere.

The article offers news briefs related to various topics including policy, business and research. It says that the World Health Organization (WHO) has failed to come up with a deadline for the eradication of last stocks of smallpox-causing virus. It states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the release of telaprevir, a drug targeting hepatitis C virus. It also mentions that a design for an ultra-sensitive gravitational-wave observatory has been released by European researchers.

The article discusses the launch of Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). SOFIA is said to fill a gap in remote sensing between ground-based telescopes that cannot discern infrared radiation and space telescopes that cannot be easily maintained or upgraded.

The article discusses the completion of the construction of the Manu Cloud Forest Canopy Observatory in the Amazon cloud forest in southeastern Peru. The creation of the canopy was co-funded by the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER) and the Amazon Conservation Association (ACA). The observatory will be host to laboratories, students and scientists studying a range of topics including climate change and botanical medicine.

The article focuses on the National Science Foundation (NSF) of U.S. and the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (COL) which have signed a cooperative agreement for construction to begin on the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Under this agreement, initiative will provide a network of undersea sensors for observing ocean processes such as climate variability, ocean circulation, and ocean acidification.

The article focuses on the expected cost of the National Ecological Observatory Network project of the U.S. National Science Foundation.