Rick Knabb

Institute for Astronomy

Forecasting for Mauna Kea Observatories Using Satellite and Numerical
Model Data

A new initiative to provide custom forecasts and meteorological data to
Mauna Kea Observatories is well into its first year.  Twice-daily summit
forecasts have been issued since January 1999.  Skill in predictability
has been realized for temperature and winds at the summit and for
moisture content and cloud cover above the summit.  The content of the
forecasts will be enhanced during fall 1999 with the incorporation of
dedicated, fine-resolution numerical modeling into the operational
forecast process.  Current forecast parameters will have finer temporal
resolution, and the number of parameters forecast will be increased to
eventually include explicit predictions of astronomical observing
quality.  The primary data set provided to the astronomy community is
real-time satellite imagery from GOES.  Visible, infrared, and water
vapor imagery are received continuously and viewed locally at an
increasing number of astronomical facilities.  The satellite image
viewing software, output from initial runs of the numerical model, and
the suite of currently available forecast products will be demonstrated.