Atmospheric conditions evaluation for lucky imaging at Xinglong Observatory

Lucky imaging is a method of high resolution imaging without Adaptive Optics (AO) system, and widespread in astronomy and space target observation. We measured atmospheric conditions at Xinglong Observatory, and evaluated the feasibility for lucky imaging. Atmospheric seeing is acquired by Differential Image Motion Monitor (DIMM), of which the median value is 1.37". atmospheric dispersion is obtained in four bands with ranges of 360 nm-440 nm, 360 nm-550 nm, 360-640 nm and 360 nm-790 nm with an 80 cm telescope, and zenith angle was fixed to 59.8°, 57.6°, 48.1°, 47.8° and 36.4° in each band, respectively. The results of the calculation which based on real parameters and of the measurement are consistent well with each other. Atmospheric extinction of BVRI was obtained with an 85cm telescope and skylight data obtained with Sky Quality Meter (SQM). The measured result indicates that lucky imaging with 50-115 cm telescope is fit for Xinglong Observatory at clear night in good seeing, and that atmospheric dispersion corrector is needed for observations. It also indicates that observation with long-wave is beneficial to decrease atmospheric dispersion and extinction and increase efficiency.