EFFECT OF SYNOPTIC FRONTS ON THE QUALITY OF IMAGES,
Abstract
A comparison of optical instability of the atmosphere (by means of the turbulence angle) and the mean square amplitude of light tremor of a star shows a considerable difference for different observatories. It is suggested that the variation is due to weather fronts. Observations show that the image is good (i.e., the angle of turbulence is small and stable) when frontal activity is absent; the image worsens when a frontal zone approaches; and the image improves as the frontal zone recedes. Observations were made at Chapal, Krasnyye Gory, and Privetnoye during 1961-62, and 75% of the observations attest to the above-stated relationship. Of the remaining 25%, 15% show a good image despite the presence of a front or a poor image though no front appeared to be present; 10% were doubtful examples because of uncertain synoptic analysis. It is pointed out that the synoptic fronts were chiefly cold fronts. Turbulent movements near the surface of a warm front are less well defined than in the zone of a cold front because of the very small slope of warm fronts and of smaller horizontal temperature gradients. The author believes that the statistically demonstrated relationship sheds light on many properties of astroclimate, and he suggests that it offers some promise for locating future astronomical observatories. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0659907
Entities
People
- N. I. Kucherov
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center