FATE -- an operational automatic system for optical turbulence forecasting at the Very Large Telescope

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development and current progress of FATE, an automated system designed to forecast optical turbulence and atmospheric parameters to support VLT operations, aiming to inform future ELT turbulence forecasting.

Contribution

It introduces FATE, an operational automatic forecast system for optical turbulence at VLT, highlighting its current performance and future integration plans.

Findings

FATE provides real-time forecasts supporting VLT operations.

The system's forecast accuracy is approaching operational readiness.

FATE sets the groundwork for optical turbulence prediction at the ELT.

Abstract

In this contribution we report the on-going progresses of the project FATE, an operational automatic forecast system conceived to deliver forecasts of a set of astroclimatic and atmospheric parameters having the aim to support the science operations (i.e. the Service Mode) at the Very Large Telescope. The project has been selected at conclusion of an international open call for tender opened by ESO and it fits with precise technical specifications. In this contribution we will present the ultimate goals of this service once it will be integrated in the VLT operations, the forecasts performances at present time and the state of the art of the project. FATE is supposed to draw the roadmap towards the optical turbulence forecast for the ELT.