Study Identifies Three Optimal Sites for New Astronomical Observatory in Ethiopia
A new study by the SSGI Collaboration has identified 21 high-potential mountain sites across Ethiopia for a future optical astronomical observatory, with three locations — Bauhit, Meseraia, and T'at'a — ranked as the most suitable. Researchers applied multi-criteria statistical decision analysis across 367 mountains, evaluating altitude, light pollution, cloud coverage, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. The findings could support the expansion of modern astronomy infrastructure in Ethiopia and the broader East African region.
The National Mapping and Testing of Astronomical Sites in Ethiopia (NMTASE) project, conducted by the SSGI Collaboration, systematically evaluated 367 mountains across Ethiopia to identify candidates for a new optical observatory beyond the existing Entoto Observatory and Lalibela sites. Using multi-criteria statistical decision analysis (MCDSA), the team assessed six key parameters: altitude, artificial light pollution, cloud coverage, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. From this analysis, 21 high-potential sites were shortlisted, with Bauhit, Meseraia, and T'at'a emerging as the top three candidates for optical astronomy. The selected mountains have been mapped to facilitate future studies of astronomical seeing conditions, a critical factor in observatory performance not yet fully measured at these sites. Beyond scientific utility, the researchers highlight the study's potential to protect dark skies at these locations and to promote astrotourism as part of sustainable development goals for Ethiopia and East Africa.
What's missing
The study has not yet conducted on-site astronomical seeing measurements at the 21 shortlisted locations, meaning actual observing quality under real atmospheric conditions remains unconfirmed. Additionally, the paper does not address funding pathways, institutional commitments, or timelines for constructing any new observatory at the top-ranked sites.
What different sources said
- arXiv astro-phCenter
National Mapping and Testing of Astronomical Sites in Ethiopia (NMTASE)
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