Optical Observatory Site Selection in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Lenghu as a Promising Site for the Future Development of Optical Astronomy in China

Subjects: Astronomy submitted time 2024-07-03 Cooperative journals: 《天文学进展》

YANG Chen DENG Li-cai YANG Fan HE Fei WANG Kun LI Rui-yue LAN Tian REN An-bing LIU Nian ZHANG Chun-guang CHEN Xiao-dian LIU Qi-li

Abstract： The challenge faced by the field of astronomy in China had always been the the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang). In 2016, a specific site selection for a large telescope (10 meter class) was started, with a focus on three locations on the Plateau. Although not listed as a candidate site, a survey in Lenghu area for an optical site was also driven by this plan. Lenghu is situated along the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Early systematic scientific surveys conducted on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in last century indicated that the region has ample sunlight, dry weather, very low percipitation, and clear night skies. The disadvantage is the wind and sand from the Qaidam Basin. Since 2018, continuous targeted monitoring of the Lenghu site has been carried out, and continuous monitoring data of the site quality parameters under extreme seeing conditions have been obtained. The data shows that on the summit of Saishiten mountain in Lenghu has excellent quality, which can meet the needs of various domestic research institutions for the construction of large optical equip#2;ments. Additionally, the geographical location in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region fills a significant gap in the distribution of high-quality international sites in terms of geographical longitude. Lenghu site provides a major opportunity for China to conduct research on time#2;domain scientific issues and engage in international campaigns. Based on the actual results of the selection and construction of the Lenghu site, this article summarizes the experience and main scientific results of the Lenghu site and introduces the optical telescope projects that have been put into operation and have signed agreements to be settled in Lenghu. lack of high-quality optical observation sites. With the development of the economy and the improvement of people’s livelihood, the optical astronomical sites established in the early stages in the developed eastern regions of the country can hardly support the current de#2;mands of astronomical development, making this challenge increasingly severe. One of the scientific issues in planning and constructing large scientific facilities during the 13th Nation#2;al Five-Year Plan period is the selection of sites. At the beginning of the new millennium, the astronomical community in China began a strategic nationwide survey of optical astro#2;nomical sites in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region (including the western Sichuan region and

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