CATS: A new station for a complete characterization of atmospheric turbulence

Abstract

Since autumn 2015, the Observatoire de la C^ote d'Azur and the J.L. Lagrange Laboratory have equipped the Calern Observatory with a new generation station of atmospheric turbulence measurement (CATS: Calern Atmospheric Turbulence Station). The CATS station is equipped with a set of complementary instruments for monitoring atmospheric turbulence parameters. These new-generation instruments are autonomous for a fully monitoring of the turbulence within original techniques since the first meters above the ground to the borders of the atmosphere. The CATS station provides a real-time turbulence conditions over the Calern Observatory. The CATS station is a support involved in many scientific and educational projects at the Calern observatory such as an ongoing study of turbulence impact on the laser links of the MeO Laser Ranging Station, development of Adaptive Optics projects and on site training for students of the international master in Astrophysics (MAUCA) and Optics through the organization of on-sky practical works.