ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION AND TEMPERATURE GRADIENT

The coefficient of refraction is far from constant. It varies chiefly because of changes in the vertical temperature gradient of the atmosphere. From measurements of vertical angles between points of known heights, observed angles of refraction can be deduced. By the use of simultaneous meteorological measurements, various methods of calculating refraction are developed. It is necessary to derive a formula representing temperature as a function of height and time of day. Calculated refraction compares accurately with observed, especially when solar radiation intensity measurements are used.