Analysis of long term atmospheric properties for Eastern Anatolia observatory (DAG) site

Abstract

Eastern Anatolia Observatory (DAG), located at 39.78 degrees North latitude (N) and 41.23 degrees East longitude (E) with 3170 m altitude above the sea level in the east part of Türkiye, having the first 4m class infrared (IR) telescope. DAG telescope is not only the largest telescope in Türkiye but also the most important telescope in the northern hemisphere because it also covers a large observational gap thanks to its location over the World. The atmospheric conditions of the DAG site have a major impact on the quality of observations in ground-based astronomy. The atmospheric conditions of an observatory site being effective and important for both optical and infrared observations is a key parameter in assessing the performance of astronomic observations and observatory sites. In this study, as an observatory site, a detailed long-term atmospheric and astronomical analysis of DAG site were presented for near-infrared observations, especially. Within the scope of basic atmospheric and astronomical parameters, it has been revealed that the DAG site is an observatory site with a great astronomical observation potential, due to its location, robust infrastructure, astronomical and atmospheric properties originating from geography.