Abstract

The temporal behavior of atmospheric turbulence has been analyzed by means of angle-of-arrival (AA) fluctuation measurements. The temporal evolution of the main atmospheric optical parameters (AOP) have been studied in order to determine their stability. This is of interest because these AOP are necessary for the optimization of high angular resolution techniques. A new method of coherence time tau(0) monitoring with the Generalized Seeing Monitor (GSM) is presented and the measurements obtained at major sites over the world are presented (La Silla, Cerro Pachon, Paranal, San Pedro Martir, Mt Palomar, Mauna Kea, La Palma, Oukaimeden, Maydanak).