Reduction of Contrast by Atmospheric Boil*†

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Abstract
It is shown that the probability of receiving light from an object viewed through a turbulent atmosphere follows a normal Gaussian distribution. Furthermore the root-mean-square angular deflection of the points of any object will be proportional to the square root of the object-to-observer distance. From relations of the type described in the examples it is possible to predict the apparent contrast throughout a given scene, provided the inherent contrast distribution, the optical air state, and the range of the target are known. The optical air state for a given condition of atmosphere can be measured by using a telephotometer and a series of long thin black bars of varying widths.

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