Introducing the H-Index in Telescope Statistics

Abstract

This paper analyzes the performance of observatories based on the so-called h-index (Hirsch 2005), a new, easy-to-use parameter that quantifies scientists' research impact and relevance. Compared to other bibliometric criteria, like total number of publications or citations, the h-index is less biased. Using NASA's Astrophysics Data System (ADS), we investigate the performance of selected observatories, taking into account their specific number of years of operation.