Atmospheric parameters affecting astronomical observations at the Maidanak Observatory

Abstract

The aim of this research is to present the optical turbulence and meteorological parameters at the surface layer, wind speed in the level of tropopause as well as precipitable water vapor above the Maidanak observatory in Uzbekistan. The paper presents an analysis of the atmospheric conditions focusing on factors affecting optical astronomical observations. The surface layer turbulence and its impact on astronomical seeing were evaluated. The seeing in the surface layer has a moderate correlation with wind speed and weaker one with temperature gradients. The wind speed at the 200mB level demonstrates weak seasonal variations with the median value of 28.4 m/s, however does not almost change in long-term period. Maidanak observatory has relatively low amount of PWV with yearly average of 6.2 mm. There are significant seasonal variations in precipitable water vapor, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months.