A statistical model is proposed as an analysis and assessment tool for evaluating the telescope performance and optimizing the operation of the enclosure.
The model is based on a large set of site wind and seeing measurements and considers the apriori random distribution of telescope orientations. By means of the parameterizations of the main influences of local turbulence which have been derived in the previous chapters, it is possible to predict the effective distribution of the telescope performance under different conditions and hypotheses, such as different criteria and operational strategies for the enclosure, variable thermal conditions of the mirror, or different characteristics of the guiding servo loop.
An example from the VLT case illustrates also the interaction of the different environmental influences with the operational aspects of the telescope and the enclosure.