AbstractsAstronomy & Space Science

Measurements of solar radiation taken at Point Barrow, Alaska, in 1962 are analyzed and evaluated. This is accomplished by comparing the measurements with the theoretical clear sky radiation, calculated using Houghton's transmissivity coefficients. Global radiation measurements for the Spring are found to be in error by as much as 30%. The error is attributed to frost deposits on the glass dome of the solarimeter. The method used to compute the clear sky radiation is discussed in detail and a nomogram for evaluating this parameter is given. The effects on the incoming solar radiation of precipitable water, cloud cover, and surface albedo are evaluated and discussed. [...]