Fluctuations of Starlight and Skylight
Abstract
In a series of simple yet elegant experiments at the telescope the essential independence of scientillation and image motion has been demonstrated. Violent image motion can result from modifying the refractive index of the air in the immediate vicinity of the telescope, but corresponding changes in scintillation fail to appear. The two phenomena are frequently not distinguished in the term 'astronomical seeing' as used in the literature. Verification of a number of particulars in a theory of astronomical seeing recently proposed by Keller has been obtained in a series of independent experiments by Keller and Hardie at the Perkins Observatory, using an artificial star and controlled turbulence in the air path. As theory predicted, when turbulence was small the images observed in red light were sharper than those observed in blue light. Preliminary magnetic tape recordings of stellar scintillation in daytime and nighttime were made. Calibration of the tape recorder and associated equipment proved to be a major problem. (Contractor's abstract) (See also AD-10 919)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0021921
Entities
People
- J. A. Hynek
Organizations
- Ohio State University