2007-07-12 12:06:34 · 9 answers · asked by Answernian 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
NO The volcanoes are not that stable. U need a very stable point if u intend to point with an accuracy of 1/1000 of a deg.
2007-07-12 12:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely if the volcano is extinct. A volcano that's no longer active in the right area is a superb place for an observatory. After all, the Kecks and many other large telescope are atop Mauna Kea, an extinct volcano in Hawaii. That is one of the world's best sites there is for ground based astronomy, at least if you can take oxygen and some very warm clothing with you. It's awfully cold at more than 14,000 feet up.
2007-07-12 16:47:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The trick is to pick some place where the telescope would have a high altitude view of the heavens, way above the normal clouds and rain interference. You also need a stable soil for the base. So, if the volcano is even slightly active, that is not a good site. It must be very stable, and quiet.
2007-07-12 14:31:57 · answer #3 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since many of the world's largest telescopes are atop dormant or extinct volcanoes and they are not adversely affected by seismic activity, then I don't really see a problem with it.
In fact, telescopes that are built in earthquake-prone areas have mounts specifically designed to handle that. The 5-meter Hale Telescope on Mount Palomar is mounted on earthquake pads which can compensate for sudden ground movements of four feet.
When you spend a few hundred million dollars on a telescope, you generally don't overlook obvious problems such as volcanism and earthquake activity.
2007-07-12 13:25:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even a dormant volcano would tend to be seismicaly active. For most observations, you'd want a pretty stable mount.
2007-07-12 12:15:25 · answer #5 · answered by Vince M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I'd put it on Dome A in Antarctica, or better yet the Moon or one of the Lagrange points. The natives tend to be too darn possessive of their volcanoes.
2007-07-12 12:13:45 · answer #6 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, on Mauna Kia and on La Palma. One thing about those volcanoes, they sure are tall. One thing about telescopes, they sure can detect ground movement. Seems like the perfect partnership.
2007-07-12 12:32:51 · answer #7 · answered by Owl Eye 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the volcano were extinct, and offered the best 'seeing` around, yes.
It's been done in Hawaii.
2007-07-12 12:12:51 · answer #8 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no alaska or antartica due to the long nights and no city lights
2007-07-12 12:30:22 · answer #9 · answered by Buck BUCK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋