atmospheric aberration

aberration

Optical diagram of a recorder camera with gyro gun sight (GGS). Aberration occurs if mirror or reflector is not in correct position resulting in out-of-focus image.

i. A condition in an optical system in which the images are imperfect or improperly located.
ii. Geometrical inaccuracy(ies) introduced by optical, IR (infrared), or similar electromagnetic systems in which radiation is processed by mirrors. In optics, a specific deviation from perfect imagery (e.g., spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, curvature of field, or distortion).
iii. The displacement of the apparent directions of the stars resulting from the motion of the observer. Also called an atmospheric aberration.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved