Skywatch Collaborators:
National Atmospheric Deposition Program
From January 2017 to the end of 2020, Skywatch Observatory was a part of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program- National Trends Network. Weekly precipitation samples were collected by Boulder Creek Critical Zone field technicians and sent to the National Trends Network laboratory for analysis of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, chloride, bromide, nitrate, and sulfate ions as well as pH and specific conductance. |
United States Geologic Survey
| Atmospheric nitrogen measurements in the ATOC Skywatch Observatory were recorded by local USGS research scientists as part of an urban area monitoring network. Employing several different sampling methods, both wet and dry deposition of nitrogen species were measured for a USGS sponsored project, Network for Urban Atmospheric Nitrogen Chemistry. The multiyear study brought together researchers from the USGS, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and Texas A&M to observe atmospheric nitrogen species in the Boulder/Denver region. |  |
Lightning, Atmosphere, Ionosphere, and Radiation Belt Research Group (The LAIR)
| The University of Colorado Aerospace Engineering Sciences research group is attempting to determine whether meteors emit Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio waves. A meteor observation network has been established covering most of Colorado and parts of Utah and Wyoming. As part of the observation network, Skywatch Observatory hosts a LAIR all-sky meteor camera which records images of the sky throughout the night. Data is uploaded to a server during the day. Image search algorithms automatically detect meteors. In conjunction with a VLF receiver located at Table Mountain, the group hopes to determine if there is a correlation between meteors and VLF signatures. |
Colorado State University
| Through the USGS NUANC study, Skywatch hosted a Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric Science passive ammonia monitor for their Atmospheric Chemistry/Air Quality Program. |
Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory
| ATOC owes a special thank you to Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory field technicians. Support for weekly NADP/NTN precipitation sample collection and ammonia monitoring was provided by the Boulder Creek CZO. |  |
International Atomic Energy Agency
| Water samples have been occassionally collected in the Skywatch Observatory by ATOC students for analysis of stable water isotopes. The samples were submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation program for analysis and entry into their database. |  |