Isokinetic patch measurements on the edge of the Moon

Astronomical Observatory of Padova, vicolo dell'Osservatorio 5, I–35122 Padova, Italy e-mail: ghedina@astras.pd.astro.it; ragazzoni@pd.astro.it; baruffolo@pd.astro.it

Send offprint request to: R. Ragazzoni

Received: 21 July 1997
Accepted: 24 December 1997

Abstract

By imaging the edge of the Moon we have tested a seeing monitor able to evaluate the isokinetic patch size. These measurements have a relevant interest because of several Laser Guide Star (LGS) tilt recovery schemes that have been proposed. In our approach the edge of the Moon mimics a LGS as seen far from the laser projector. The conceptual design of the instrument, the data reduction techniques and the preliminary results obtained at the Asiago Astronomical Observatory are given. Because, as a by product, the instrument is able to evaluate r₀, a comparison with seeing data collected at the 1.82 m telescope of Cima Ekar during the three nights test of the described instrument is also given.