Blue Hill Observatory CRN Site Located in Milton, MA, on the Great Blue Hill Tom Karl agreed to place a USCRN station at the Blue Hill Observatory if scientifically viable USHCN-M voted on 3 potential sites: Old Radar Site (if gravel could be removed and trees removed – it cannot be, so unacceptable) West Site (best alternative to Old Radar Site) Old Station Site (not acceptable) A forth potential site was indicated recently

Review Results from USHCN-M Old Radar Site and Old Station Site – no go West Site – acceptable to all but one voters Concern with position relative to observatory During recent visit, site host indicated potential difficulty in State approval of this site, which is extensively used in summer for picnics and kite flying Result: Site host suggested cleared location on south edge of hill top, promises to clear more trees to east of area if needed

Site 4 on Blue Hill Sloped area with 1-3 foot brush, the few small trees can be removed A position was selected that is 30m from permanent structures, although a white equipment van for air monitoring is closer: 42 °12’41.7” N, 71°06’52.8” Several things would need to be negotiated: Removal of a number of trees to the east - offered Removal of some old paved remnants from path to the west – already agreed Perhaps seeking permission to close that path

Blue Hill Observatory

The Reason

Old Radar Site on Blue Hill

Old Station Site on Blue Hill

West Site on Blue Hill

West Site on Blue Hill – Tower View

Site 4 – the South Site –Tower View

South Site – from N

South Site – from NE

South Site – from SW

Site 4 – the South Site –Tower View Removable

South Site – Center to N

South Site – Center to E

South Site – Center to S

South Site – Center to W

South Site – Access looking E

South Site – Electrical

South Site – from near Center to Observatory

Areal Photo of Blue Hill Observatory Grounds Radar Instrument West South

Areal Photo of Blue Hill South Site Close Trail? Cut Trees

Blue Hill Observatory – CRN Partner Placement will be positive for USCRN Good Publicity – Tying the USCRN to a great historical legacy … Weatherwise article worthy Education and outreach – work with Blue Hill staff to develop some educational plans and materials for thousands of school children who visit annually … and then put these on the Web Revert Durham, NH, “corn” site to experimental

Blue Hill Observatory – Critical Issues Is the site of sufficient quality, or can it be made so? What should we ask to be done, and what must be done, to prepare the site?