Ground Turbulence At Mauna Kea Observatory: Location And Ground Height For Future Telescopes

D. Andre Erasmus; Laird A. Thompson

doi:10.1117/12.963522

20 August 1986 Ground Turbulence At Mauna Kea Observatory: Location And Ground Height For Future Telescopes

D. Andre Erasmus, Laird A. Thompson

Proceedings Volume 0628, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963522
Event: 1986 Astronomy Conferences, 1986, Tucson, United States

Abstract

The turbulent surface boundary layer has been monitored within the summit area of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. Measurements were made using three meteorological towers instrumented with microthermal sensors at three levels, ambient temperature sensors at two levels, and anemometers at two levels. Spectra of the temperature fluctuations were also measured. The spatial and temporal variations in microthermal activity associated with ground turbulence are quantified and explained. From these findings, the best locations and ground heights for telescope facilities are determined. The relative importance of turbulence near the ground in the degradation of image quality is deduced.

Citation Download Citation

D. Andre Erasmus and Laird A. Thompson "Ground Turbulence At Mauna Kea Observatory: Location And Ground Height For Future Telescopes", Proc. SPIE 0628, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III, (20 August 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963522

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