Understanding the atmospheric optical turbulence, a challenge for observational astronomy
An essential part of contemporary research in astronomy is based on observations made using large telescopes located either in space or on the ground. While space-based telescopes are limited in size, ground-based telescopes can be wide enough to reach a much higher sensitivity and spatial resolution. However, in visible and infrared light, the atmospheric optical turbulence deviates the light coming from the astronomical targets and blur significantly their image. To cope with this effect, adaptive optics systems are now equipping the instruments to compensate in real time for the atmospheric turbulence deleterious effects on the incoming light. Yet, unknowns remain and a fine characterisation of the atmospheric optical turbulence is necessary, especially for future ground-based telescopes under construction, whose size are four times larger than current telescopes. During this seminar, we will introduce the key concerns that observational astronomy is facing these days in terms of atmospheric optical turbulence profiling, prevision and modelling.
Contact Christophe Brun for more information or to schedule a discussion with the seminar speaker.