Optical turbulence vertical distribution at the Peak Terskol Observatory and Mt. Kurapdag

TL;DR

This paper characterizes the vertical distribution of optical turbulence at two observatories using re-analysis data, measurements, and models, aiding in understanding image quality for astronomical observations.

Contribution

It provides detailed vertical turbulence profiles at Peak Terskol and Mt. Kurapdag using multiple data sources, enhancing atmospheric turbulence modeling for astronomy.

Findings

Vertical turbulence profiles at Peak Terskol derived from re-analysis and measurements.

Estimated Fried parameter r0 at Terskol and comparison with other sites.

Turbulence profiles at Mt. Kurapdag obtained through combined atmospheric models.

Abstract

Characterization of atmospheric turbulence is essential to understanding image quality of astronomical telescopes and applying adaptive optics systems. In this study, the vertical distributions of optical turbulence at the Peak Terskol Observatory (43.27472N 42.50083E, 3127 m a.s.l.) using the Era-5 re-analysis, scintillation measurements and sonic anemometer data are investigated. For the reanalysis grid node closest to the observatory, vertical profiles of the structural constant of the air refractive index turbulent fluctuations $C^2_n$ were obtained. The calculated $C^2_n(z)$ vertical profiles are compared with the vertical distribution of turbulence intensity obtained from tomographic measurements with Shack-Hartmann sensor. The Fried parameter r0 at the location of Terskol Peak Observatory was estimated. Using combination of atmospheric models and scheme paramaterization of turbulence, $C^2_n(z)$ profiles at Mt. Kurapdag were obtained. The r0 values at the Peak Terskol Observatory are compared with estimated values of this length at the ten astronomical sites including Ali, Lenghu and Daocheng.