The atmosphere can be a major limiting factor in the performance of lasers and other optical systems. Optical turbulence is present in almost any fluid (including air), causing light to distort as it propagates. An example of this phenomenon can often be seen in the ‘dancing’ patterns of sunlight that appear in the bottom of a swimming pool. Optical turbulence occurs due to small changes in the refractive index along the propagation path. These changes are caused by differences in air temperature, humidity, wind, and other factors. The goal of LPL’s atmospheric studies is to better understand how these underlying weather connect to real world performance of imaging systems and lasers at various ranges.