The CIAO Observatory is situated at the former farmland at Kárhóll near the municipality of Laugar.
For decades, Iceland has been a hub for aurora research, with collaborative efforts involving research bases from France, Britain, and Japan. Professor Gunnlaugur Björnsson, a research scientist from the Science Institute of the University of Iceland, shed light on the observatory and its purpose during an interview with the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, RÚV.
"The observatory's primary objective is to deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between the sun, the Earth's magnetic field, and the magnetic field's reaction to solar winds. Iceland, being situated beneath the aurora belt, provides an ideal location for conducting this research."
Björnsson also shared insights into the Arctic Observatory's comprehensive infrastructure, stating, "Initially, we will install All-sky Imagers, a spectograph, and a magnetometer. Looking ahead, we envision the possibility of incorporating additional research tools."
Moreover, he emphasized the observatory's significance for the University of Iceland, noting, "This collaboration is of immense importance to us, as it grants us access to invaluable data. The cost of acquiring such sophisticated equipment is prohibitively high, making this cooperative venture highly welcomed.
