Article: Observing in the Antarctic: PLATO Observatory operates autonomously throughout the winter; temperatures as low as -130[degrees]F.(INNOVATIVE uses of HORSEPOWER)

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At Dome Argus, the highest point of the Antarctic Plateau with an elevation of 13,428 ft., a team of researchers has constructed a robotic observatory called PLATeau Observatory (PLATO) to provide scientific research of the universe. The location and climate of the observatory present a set of challenges, requiring PLATO to be fully autonomous and unmanned for a year by operating off engine-powered generators for power in the dark winter months and solar arrays in the summer months.

Dome Argus is said to be the coldest place on earth, making it the ideal location for the observatory as the low winds and dry climate provide a stable ...

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