Near Infrared Sky Monitor Data from the South Pole, 2001

Provided, as a function of time, are: (i) the best estimate, plus the lower and upper bounds, on the 2.4 micron sky flux (depending on assumptions made), (ii) the optical depth calculated at 2.4 microns, (iii) the effective atmospheric temperature determined from the sky flux and optical depth, (iv) the ground temperature, as measured by the South Pole weather station The Antarctic plateau provides the best terrestrial location for infrared and submillimetre astronomy.

The best sites lie within the Australian Antarctic Territory. From them the most sensitive observations of the faint light from distant stars and galaxies could be made. This program aims to determine where the best site is, and quantify the gains that would be achievable compared to temperate latitude observatories.