Influence of atmospheric aerosols on the performance of the M AGIC telescopes

We investigate the performance of the MAGIC telescopes under three simulated atmospheric condi- tions: an increased aerosol content in the lower part of the t roposphere, the presence of thin aerosol over-densities at different heights, and an extremely clean atmosphere. We show how the effective area of the telescope system is gradually reduced in the presence of varying concentrations of aerosols whereas the energy threshold rises. Clouds at different heights produce energy and altitude-dependent effects on the performance of the system.