Shanghai Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
Abstract:
In this paper we used the method of generator function to gave an improved mapping function of astronomical refraction, separately for optical and radio frequencies. We included a complete consideration of the corrections introduced by the physical and geophysical factors required in astronomy and space techniques. We used sounding balloon data to assess the actual accuracy of our corrected refraction formula. The result is 5″ at elevation 2° and 1″ at elevation 5°. We believe that the main factor that limits the accuracy is departure of the model atmosphere from the real atmosphere.