pwv_kpno: A Python Package for Modeling the Atmospheric Transmission Function due to Precipitable Water Vapor

TL;DR

The paper introduces pwv_kpno, a Python package that models atmospheric transmission due to precipitable water vapor, enabling correction of ground-based optical and near-infrared observations using GPS-based PWV data.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Python package that integrates GPS-derived PWV measurements with atmospheric models to correct astronomical observations for water vapor effects.

Findings

Successfully predicted PWV at KPNO using nearby GPS stations.

Correctly modeled PWV absorption features in spectra from KPNO.

Demonstrated adaptability of the package for other observatories.

Abstract

We present a Python package, pwv_kpno, that provides models for the atmospheric transmission due to precipitable water vapor (PWV) at user specified sites. Using the package, ground-based photometric observations taken between $3,000$ and $12,000$ $\AA$ can be corrected for atmospheric effects due to PWV. Atmospheric transmission in the optical and near-infrared is highly dependent on the PWV column density along the line of sight. By measuring the delay of dual-band GPS signals through the atmosphere, the SuomiNet project provides accurate PWV measurements for hundreds of locations around the world. The pwv_kpno package uses published SuomiNet data in conjunction with MODTRAN models to determine the modeled, time-dependent atmospheric transmission. A dual-band GPS system was installed at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) in the spring of 2015. Using measurements from this receiver we demonstrate that we can successfully predict the PWV at KPNO from nearby dual-band GPS stations on the surrounding desert floor. The pwv_kpno package can thus provide atmospheric transmission functions for observations taken before the KPNO receiver was installed. Using PWV measurements from the desert floor, we correctly model PWV absorption features present in spectra taken at KPNO. We also demonstrate how to configure the package for use at other observatories.