Vol. 8, issue 08, article # 11

Abstract:

New technique of theoretical treatment of astronomical refraction in three dimensional inhomogeneous atmosphere is discussed. This technique is based on integral representation of the ray equation, which reduces the refraction problem to the solution of algebraic equations for refraction angles and length of any part of the ray trajectory bent by the Earth's atmosphere. Using model of spherically layered atmosphere as an example it is demonstrated that the proposed technique can yield a prescribed accuracy of determination of the refraction within the range of apparent zenith angles 0° < z < 90°.