IR Atmospheric Measurements
Abstract
Apparent angle of arrival fluctuations for atmosphere-perturbed irradiance from bright astronomical sources was recorded with a view to determining refractive structure scaling with wavelength. Measurements were made with low spectral dispersion, 2.5 < or = lambda/delta lambda < or = 10, between 1.3 and 21 microns. Some results are presented. Random intensity scintillation observed in star and satellite LWIR signal records is apparently related to object size. The relation may be used to distinguish between point and extended objects of equal apparent brightness. Data review results are presented. The gross self-radiance of atmosphere may be measured to permit real-time computation of transmission. In circumstances where weather changes invalidate extinction measures, the technique offers promise of increasing credibility of conjectures made from observations of satellites. Preliminary results of tests are presented. Modifications to an existing LWIR radiometer permit long period signal averaging and enable the thermal signatures of deep-space satellites to be measured. Some results are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA049054
Entities
People
- H. P. Kent
- P. F. Kellen