Mathematical Modeling of Refractive Properties of the Atmosphere in the Optical Wavelength Range

The article describes an approach to mathematical modeling that allows one to calculate the refractive index of the atmosphere and indirectly evaluate the refractive properties of the atmosphere. The initial parameters are numerical values of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and air humidity. The temperature and wind sounding of the atmosphere are used as information resources. After the restoration of the refractive index field at the appropriate levels, the gradient of the refractive index is calculated. As a result of mathematical modeling, numerical values of the horizontal and vertical components of the gradient of the refractive index are obtained. The maximum changes in the gradient of the refractive index are observed in the region of vertical values, however, horizontal changes also take place. Using this information allows excluding errors when determining the reliable position of objects in space when they are observed on an inclined path. The obtained information on the gradient of the refractive index allows us to simulate the possible spatial deviations of the observation path, both vertically and horizontally.