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Altiplano

All articles tagged with #altiplano

science2 years ago•1 min saved

Scientists Discover Earth's Sunniest Spot, Comparable to Venus on the Altiplano

Scientists have identified the Altiplano in Chile's Atacama desert as the sunniest place on Earth, with sunlight intensity comparable to a summer day on Venus. The plateau's high altitude, thin atmosphere, and low concentrations of particles allow for clear skies and powerful solar radiation, making it an ideal location for solar power plants. Additionally, the Altiplano's position in the southern hemisphere during the Earth's closest point to the sun amplifies solar irradiance, making it 7% greater than in the northern hemisphere.

via The Guardian|

#altiplano #atacama-desert #science

nature2 years ago•2 min saved

"Venus-like Destination: The Sunniest Place on Earth"

The Altiplano of the Atacama Desert in South America has been identified as the sunniest place on Earth, with sunlight intensity comparable to that of Venus. Satellite data and an atmospheric observatory confirmed the record-breaking solar irradiance, reaching 2,177 watts per square meter during a burst of summer sun in January 2017. The year-round average was 308 watts per square meter, the highest worldwide. The intense sunlight is partially due to reflection from high-altitude broken clouds. The researchers suggest that the Chajnantor Plateau in the Atacama Desert could be an ideal location for testing future photovoltaic power plants.

via IFLScience|

#altiplano #atacama-desert #nature

science-and-environment2 years ago•0 min saved

Venus-like Summers Found on Earth's Sunniest Spot, Study Reveals

The Altiplano, a plateau in Chile's Atacama Desert, has been identified as the sunniest location on Earth, with sunlight intensity comparable to Venus. The region's extreme surface solar conditions can provide insights into solar energy potential and optimize solar power system efficiency. The Altiplano's high elevation, cloudless conditions, and low levels of ozone, aerosols, and water vapor contribute to its exceptional solar irradiance, receiving more sunlight than places closer to the equator or at higher elevations.

via Interesting Engineering|

#altiplano #science-and-environment #solar-energy

science-and-environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Discovering Earth's Hottest Spot: A Venusian Experience"

Scientists have identified the Altiplano plateau in the Atacama Desert, near the western coast of South America, as the sunniest spot on Earth, receiving more sunlight than any other location. A recent study recorded a world record of solar irradiance on the plateau, which is higher than the radiation at the top of Earth's atmosphere. The extreme radiation can be attributed to thin, high-altitude clouds that focus the sun's rays on the surface through forward scattering. These clouds, originating from the Amazon, enhance solar radiation by up to 80 percent compared to cloudless conditions. The Altiplano's solar energy potential is roughly twice as high as in Central Europe and the U.S. East Coast.

via The Washington Post|

#altiplano #atacama-desert #clouds