Turbulence Measurements During Spring of 1994 at Apache Point Observatory.

Abstract

Optical turbulence measurements taken using the Atmospheric Turbulence Measurement and Observation System (ATMOS) and an acoustic sounder at the newly established Apache Point Observatory (APO) are presented for spring 1994. APO is located at 9200 ft MSL about 18 mi south of Cloudcroft, NM. The ATMOS is an optical device for determining seeing conditions by measuring angle-of-arrival fluctuations through two subapertures of a telescope. This optical arrangement, utilizing a differential measurement technique, eliminates errors caused by tracking, vibration, and wind loading. Results include all r(o) measurements, the surface wind measured at nearby Sacramento Peak, time-height displays of sodar observations, and wind and Cn(2) profile measurements taken with a 50-MHz radar located in the Tularosa Basin. A method under development to predict optical turbulence at APO is briefly discussed. (AN)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA296417

Entities

People

  • Frank D. Eaton
  • James J. Drexler
  • James Northrup
  • John R. Hines
  • William H. Hatch

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angle Of Arrival
  • Astronomical Observatories
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Charge Coupled Devices
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Observation
  • Observatories
  • Radar
  • Research Facilities
  • Sodar
  • Telescopes
  • Turbulence
  • Waves
  • Wind
  • Wind Direction

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects