Eclipse Turbulence and Weather Measurements Along the Path of Totality

Turbulence and correlated weather measurements were made during the total solar eclipse across the continental United States on 08 April 2024. Sensor terminals were installed along the path of totality and varying percentages of partial eclipse, quantifying the impact of the eclipse conditions on weather-driven Cn2. Sensors on the path of totality consistently exhibited an "eclipse W" effect where lulls in turbulence strength were measured prior to and after totality, with the strongest turbulence occurring at the time of total solar eclipse. In this webinar hosted by the Laser Systems Technical Group, Matthew Whiteley will discuss the operation of sensors employed during the test, the installation of sensors in preparation for the event, and the results of the testing.

Subject Matter Level: Intermediate - Assumes basic knowledge of the topic

What You Will Learn:

• Turbulence sensor operating principles
• Turbulence conditions during the eclipse
• Weather conditions during the eclipse

Who Should Attend:

• Scientists and professionals working in atmospheric optics
• Students seeking a better understanding of weather-driven turbulence conditions
• Those with an interest in natural environmental phenomena

About Our Speakers

Matthew R. Whiteley

MZA Associates Corporation

About Matthew R. Whiteley

Dr. Matt Whiteley is Vice President of MZA Associates Corporation’s Dayton Technology Directorate. His background includes experience in electro-optical imaging, laser radar, pattern recognition, image processing, atmospheric and adaptive optics, computer modeling of optical propagation, and turbulence characterization. Dr. Whiteley leads MZA’s efforts in aircraft laser systems development, aero-effects beam control, atmospheric characterization, and laser weapon modeling. Dr. Whiteley is the inventor of MZA’s DELTA turbulence sensor and the PROPS turbulence profiler. He is also co-author of the “Aero-Optical Effects” textbook published by Wiley in 2023. Dr. Whiteley is a Fellow of the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS.)

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