Solar Radiation Station at Kau Sai Chau opens

Solar Radiation Station at Kau Sai Chau opens
(3 July 2008)

The Hong Kong Observatory's new solar radiation station at the Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Sai Kung, was officially opened today (July 3). The station also measures air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. People wanting to check the weather conditions in that area can access the relevant information in real-time through the Observatory's website.

The Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr Lam Chiu-ying, the Chairman of the Sai Kung District Council, Mr Ng Sze-fuk, District Officer of the Sai Kung District, Mr Chan Ping-fai and the General Manager of the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Mr Cameron Halliday officiated at the ceremony.

Mr Lam said, "As the existing solar radiation station located in the urban area is increasingly affected by nearby buildings, there was a need for the Observatory to look for a new site. The new station at Kau Sai Chau was selected after several rounds of investigations. As the site is located in rural area and is well exposed, it is very suitable for the long-term measurement of solar radiation. The relevant data obtained will be very useful to studies in such areas as weather, climate, architectural and engineering design."

Mr Ng said he was pleased that the Observatory had selected the Sai Kung district for setting up the new station. "Sai Kung's environment is superb and is suitable for various activities and uses. The solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall information from the station would enable residents and visitors to keep abreast of the weather conditions in the area," he said.

Mr Halliday said, "We are delighted to see the establishment of the station at the Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course which provides a variety of weather information to the public. The relevant data is also helpful to the operation of the Golf Course. We will continue to facilitate and support the operation of the station here."

The Kau Sai Chau solar radiation station is equipped with instruments for measuring solar radiation (including global solar radiation, direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation), temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. To save energy use, the station operates on solar power. It also employs wireless communication technology (GPRS) for real-time transmission of data back to the Observatory headquarters.

The public can access the relevant solar radiation and weather information from the Observatory's "Regional Weather" webpage at:
www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/ts/display_graph_e.htm?ksc&menu=otherwxi&rwx&addbar or PDA webpage at: pda.weather.gov.hk/regione_ksc.htm

(from left) the General Manager of the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Mr Cameron Halliday, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Mr Lam Chiu-ying, Chairman of the Sai Kung District Council Mr Ng Sze-fuk and District Officer of the Sai Kung District Mr Chan Ping-fai officiating the opening of the Kau Sai Chau Solar Radiation Station

Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Mr Lam Chiu-ying introducing solar instruments to the guests