3D mapping of the optical turbulence around the San Pedro Martir site using the numerical model Meso-Nh. Perspectives for a flexible-scheduling application
Por:
Masciadri E., Bougeault P., Vernin J., Angeles F.
Publicada:
1 ene 2000
Resumen:
Only through numerical technique can one obtain a three dimensional characterization of the optical turbulence (OT) in a region around a telescope and, at the same time, obtain a forecast of its state some hours before an astronomical observation. This ability is fundamental for ground-based astronomy done with High Angular Resolution techniques. In particular, this technique can be applied to the site testing campaigns, to the optimization of adaptive optics techniques and to plan flexible scheduling of the observations to be done (direct imaging, spectroscopy and interferometry) and of the instrument to be placed at the focus of the telescope. Some progress in this discipline has been atteined as a result of a strong interdisciplinary collaboration between astronomycal (Departement d'Astrophysique de Nice Fr) and meteorological (CNRM, Centre National de Recherches Meteorologiques - Toulouse - Fr) research teams. A non-hydrostatic mesoscale atmospheric model Meso-Nh was adapted in order to simulate the optical turbulence OT and it was tested in two of the best astronomical sites in the world (Cerro Paranal (Chile), and Canaries Islands). Good results were obtained initializing the model with p, T and V vertical profiles issued by ECMWF analysis and radiosoundings measured in meteorological stations placed near the astronomical sites. Recently, a dedicated study for the seeing forecasting at the San Pedro Martir Observatory (Mx) started in order to support the project of the TIM (Telescopio Infrarojo Mexicano) that will be installed on this mountainous region of Baja California. Here we present some preliminary results, we analyze the importance of using a vegetation model for simulations over a site surrounding by high trees and we study the influence of the analyzed surface on the simulations outputs. We present the results obtained integrating the optical turbulence respect lines of sight different from zenith. Finally, we report a brief description of some model modifications that are being introduced in order to apply this technique to the forecasting of OT for observations in the millimetric regime.
Filiaciones:
Masciadri E.:
Inst de Astronomia Universidad de, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
Bougeault P.:
Inst de Astronomia Universidad de, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
Vernin J.:
Inst de Astronomia Universidad de, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
Angeles F.:
Inst de Astronomia Universidad de, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
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