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Seeing Degradation within the Anglo-Australian Telescope Dome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

Sean G. Ryan  and
Peter R. Wood
Sean G. Ryan
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121, Australia. sgr@aaoepp.aao.gov.au
Peter R. Wood
Affiliation:
Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Private Bag, Weston Creek PO, ACT 2611, Australia. wood@mso.anu.edu.au
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Abstract

Recent seeing measurements at the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) point towards the thermal characteristics of the telescope itself, in particular the temperature difference between the mirror and the dome air, as the most important factor degrading the seeing, more so than the temperature difference between the inside and outside air. We present the findings, propose clarifying experiments, and discuss possible remedies. We set the realistic target for the AAT to achieve median seeing of 1·5″ rather than the current 1·8″.

Keywords

seeingsite testingdome seeing
Type
Instruments, Techniques and Basic Measurements
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , April 1995 , pp. 89 - 94
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 1995

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