Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
Improved upper winds models for several astronomical observatories
Lewis C Roberts1, L William Bradford
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91009, USA. lewis.c.roberts@jpl.nasa.gov
Abstract:
An understanding of wind speed and direction as a function of height are critical to the proper modeling of atmospheric turbulence. We have used radiosonde data from launch sites near significant astronomical observatories and created averaged profiles of wind speed and direction and have also computed Richardson number profiles. Using data from the last 30 years, we confirm a 1977 Greenwood wind profile, and extend it to include parameters that show seasonal variations and differences in location. The added information from our models is useful for the design of adaptive optics systems and other imaging systems. Our analysis of the Richardson number suggests that persistent turbulent layers may be inferred when low values are present in our long term averaged data. Knowledge of the presence of these layers may help with planning for adaptive optics and laser communications.
Related Concept Videos
Variation of Atmospheric Pressure
Assuming the air temperature is constant at a given altitude and that the ideal gas law of thermodynamics describes the atmosphere to a good approximation, one can find the variation of atmospheric pressure with height.
Let p(y) be the atmospheric pressure at...
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
Doppler Effect - II
Azimuths and Bearings
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Doppler Effect - I

