Millimeter-wave astroclimate investigations on badary observatory near Baikal lake

This paper deals with results of long-term astroclimate investigations in millimeter-wave band in the Badary observatory near Baikal lake. The optical depths for the 3-millimeter and 2-millimeter-band windows have been determined with the atmospheric dip method. The results of measurements taken at Sayan Solar Observatory of ISTP RAS and on Badary observatory are presented. The collected statistical data yield the mean percentage of good-condition time for mm-wave radioastronomy per year. In addition, the seasonal variations of the precipitable water vapour (PWV) have been approximately calculated. Using available data on the measurements of the absorption, the PWV, height, etc., suitability of the site can be evaluated for potential stationing of a millimeter or a submillimeter wave range observatory. The other goal of the work is to calibrate the mm-wave radiometer operating in 2mm & 3mm atmospheric windows by comparing the data with Water Vapour Radiometer operating in cm-waveband.