Atmospheric Characterization for the Air Force-Maui 4 m Telescope

Abstract

The 1.6 and 1.2 m telescopes used by the US Air Force on Mt. Haleakala have averaged 7-9 cm atmospheric coherence lengths with occasional peaks of 15 to 20 cm over the last two decades. In comparison, the 4 m California, France, Hawaii, Telescope on Mauna Kea has improved from 4 cm to 15 cm average coherence length over the last decade. The source of the optical degradation found on Mt. Haleakala was not clear. Since a 4 m telescope was being considered for Maui, it was essential to determine the source of the turbulent degradation.</jats:p