Automated seeing monitoring for queue-scheduled astronomical observations

Marc S. Sarazin

doi:10.1117/12.279030

23 September 1997 Automated seeing monitoring for queue-scheduled astronomical observations

Marc S. Sarazin

Proceedings Volume 3125, Propagation and Imaging through the Atmosphere; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.279030
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Large and expensive astronomical facilities are now planning operation of their multi-instruments telescopes under queue scheduling mode. The main idea is to boost the efficiency of astronomical observing making a better use of available dark time. The choice of a given observing program would be driven by environmental constraints which have therefore to be reliably and accurately monitored. Atmospheric seeing is one of those and earlier site survey oriented monitors have now to be upgraded towards unattended continuous operation. Differential Image Motion (DIMM) Seeing Monitoring is now a common feature of a growing number of observatories worldwide because of a straightforward theory and of its robustness to instrumental errors. However, basic rules have to be respected in particular to reduce the sensitivity of such systems to site dependent parameters such as short wavefront coherence time and finite outer scale of the turbulence. In the light of several years of automated seeing monitoring at the La Silla Observatory and as part of the development of the VLT Astronomical Site Monitor, the criteria for designing such instruments are reviewed and results are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Marc S. Sarazin "Automated seeing monitoring for queue-scheduled astronomical observations", Proc. SPIE 3125, Propagation and Imaging through the Atmosphere, (23 September 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.279030

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