Atmospheric turbulence profiling in the day and strong turbulence conditions

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As astronomical instruments become more sophisticated they rapidly reach the point where the scientific value is limited by the turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere distorting the light from distant galaxies, stars, planets and even our sun. In order to correct for these detrimental effects we must understand the dynamics of the atmosphere and to develop novel mitigation systems. In pristine, mountain top, observatories this is now common practise using dedicated turbulence profile instrumentation. However, at other observatories in less favourable locations or during the daytime, the atmospheric turbulence can be considerably stronger. Conventional turbulence monitoring instrumentation and correction systems do not work in these difficult conditions. The purpose of this programme is to develop the understanding and instrumentation in order to characterise the Earth's atmospheric turbulence in non-favourable conditions.