Temporal Fluctuations of Atmospheric Seeing

Abstract

The amplitude and characteristic time of seeing fluctuations due to the free atmosphere are examined using series of Cn2-profiles obtained on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. It is found that the mean ratio of two seeing values separated by a time interval Delta-t grows with an e-folding time of 17 minutes and saturates at a value of ~1.6. Implications for the design and use of "seeing responsive" astronomical facilities observing strategies are briefly discussed. (SECTION: Atmospheric Phenomena and Seeing)