Astrophysics (Index)About

continuous viewing zone

(CVZ)
(region of sky that can be viewed 7×24×365)

A telescope's continuous viewing zone (CVZ) is that region of the celestial sphere that the telescope can view any time astronomers choose to do so, i.e., there aren't times when the telescope cannot view that region. For space missions, areas that are sometimes blocked by the Earth or Sun would be excluded. The concept is of less use for Earth-bound telescopes, but seems relevant to radio telescopes not close to the equator, i.e., a region around the pole can be viewed day and night all year. A telescope proposal may specify the CVZ needed to meet the proposed observation's goals.


(telescopes)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope#Ground_support
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Deep_Field#Target_selection
https://jwst-docs.stsci.edu/jwst-observatory-characteristics-and-performance/jwst-target-viewing-constraints/jwst-continuous-viewing-zone-cvz
https://wasp-planets.net/2020/11/13/wasp-62b-in-james-webbs-continuous-viewing-zone-has-a-clear-atmosphere/

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