Overcoming the boundary layer turbulence at Dome C: ground-layer adaptive optics versus tower
Abstract
The unique atmospheric conditions present at sites such as Dome C on the Antarctic plateau are very favorable for high spatial resolution astronomy. At Dome C, the majority of the optical turbulence is confined to a 30 to 40 m thick stable boundary layer that results from the strong temperature inversion created by the heat exchange between the air and the ice-covered ground. To fully realize the potential of the exceptionally calm free atmosphere, this boundary layer must be overcome. In this article we compare the performance of two methods proposed to beat the boundary layer: mounting a telescope on a tower that physically puts it above the turbulent layer, and installing a telescope at ground level with a ground-layer adaptive optics system. A case is also made to combine these two methods to further improve the image quality.
Additional Information
Copyright © 2009 Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Received 2008 December 15; accepted 2009 April 24. This research was funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs (OPP), the Australian Research Council (ARC), the ARENA EC FP6 (RICA-026150), and the Netherlands Research School of Astronomy (NOVA). We would like to thank the Institut Paul Emile Victor (IPEV) and PNRA for the logistical support. We are also grateful to the referee who helped considerably to improve the clarity of this article.Attached Files
Published - Travouillon2009p4545Publ_Astron_Soc_Pac.pdf
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 15934
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20090917-193435942
- NSF
- Australian Research Council
- RICA-026150
- European Commission
- Netherlands Research School of Astronomy (NOVA)
- Created
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2009-09-18Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-08Created from EPrint's last_modified field