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The Environment
April. In 2013, the observatory also started to receive data from seismograph stations in Guangdong to enhance its capability in detecting earthquakes in southern China.
Astronomical Services
The observatory provides information about astronomical phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses. It also publishes astronomical almanacs, providing the traditional Chinese calendar and various types of astronomical and geophysical information. During the ISON comet's approach to the Sun in November, the observatory organised a joint observation session with the Hong Kong Space Museum.
Official Time Standard
As Hong Kong's official time keeper, the observatory maintains a Time Standard that is accurate to within one ten-millionth of a second per day and contributes to the determination of Co- ordinated Universal Time by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. Time checks are available to the public through the Dial-a-Weather System, local radio stations, web clocks and the internet network time service, with the latter handling around 10 billion checks in 2013, about twice that of 2012.
Public Education
To promote public awareness of hazardous weather and climate change, the observatory carries out a broad range of educational and outreach activities. The 'Community Weather Information Network' (Co-WIN), operated by the observatory in collaboration with the Hong. Kong Polytechnic University, fosters close co-operation with schools and the community to enhance weather education in Hong Kong. Co-WIN's 'Community Weather Observing Scheme' (CWOS) encourages members of the public to take part in weather observations and provides. multiple online platforms for participants to upload and share weather photos and observation reports.
In 2013, the observatory organised briefing sessions on climate change following the release of the Fifth Assessment Report by Working Group I of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and, in collaboration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology Hong Kong, delivered talks at secondary schools to promote energy efficiency and conservation.
Government Laboratory
The Government Laboratory supports the enforcement of environmental protection legislation and implementation of various environmental programmes through the provision of comprehensive analytical and advisory services. In 2013, numerous tests on environmental samples of air, water, sediment, soil, biota, waste, motor vehicle fuel (including biodiesel) were conducted to furnish various environmental programmes with necessary data. The Government Laboratory also offers analytical services for chemicals regulated under the Stockholm. Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to facilitate government departments in pursuing actions for the HKSAR Implementation Plan.
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