Ground-based Astronomy is severely limited by the atmospheric turbulence. Advances in Atmospheric Optics, particularly in characterizing atmospheric turbulence and modelling its effects on astronomical image formation, have made important contributions to improving the resolution of ground-based optical instruments. This thematic is being carried out by a team with unique expertise on a national and international level, especially in the field of characterization and selection of astronomical sites. Our group brings together a great knowledge of light propagation in turbulent media, physics of the atmosphere and instrumental development. This expertise associated with a unique set of instruments to probe the atmospheric turbulence, has earned our team to intervene in the site-testing of all major projects including existing telescopes of 8-10 m class and future Extremly Large Telescopes (ELT) such as the E-ELT (European 40m Telescope) and TMT (USA 30m Telescope). Our group has also in charge of the qualification of the very promising site of Dome C in Antarctica.
Overall view of the CATS for the measurement of the atmospheric turbulence on the site of the Calern Observatory.
