Automated Cloud Detection with Machine Learning
Motivation Most (optical) telescopes have to be protected from precipitation to prevent damage to their optics and electronics. For this reason, most observatories use all-sky cameras - cheap, but very sensitive CMOS cameras equipped with fish-eye lenses - that monitor the night sky for incoming clouds. Telescope operators can observe live streams from these cameras to make informed decisions as to whether the current weather situation requires the closing of the telescope dome, or not. ...