Methanol Maser Emission: Strength and Effects on Earth

[smithy]

Hi

I'm an MPhys Physics with Astro student, conducting my final year project in the field of radio astronomy (well, it's more like electronics at the moment - trying to fix a downconverter, but anyway...)

My question: I'm interested in observing the 6.67GHz methanol maser emission. For a part of my project I think I need to know the "strength" of the methanol signal reaching Earth. (I need to be able to compare the gain of signal strength to the noise figure of my downconverter - I think this is where the problems may lie with my system!)

I have tried looking through various journals and websites. From what I can see, on average, the peak flux density for methanol masers varies between 200-5000 Jy.

Admittedly, my electronics knowledge is poor, but I was wondering and have been trying to figure out, if this value is related in anyway?

Many thanks for any help or advice anyone can give!
Smithy

 

[Nereid]

Welcome to PF, smithy!

You ask: "I was wondering and have been trying to figure out, if this value is related in anyway?"

I'm afraid I don't understand the question; related to (or with) what (I assume "this value" is "the peak flux density for methanol masers").

Do you know what a jansky is?

 

[smithy]

1 Jy = 1x10^(-26) W m^(-2) s

As far as I'm aware, Jansky is a measure of energy radiation, named after the founder of radio astronomy.

Yes, I'm just trying to see if anyone knows of a connection between peak flux density (in Jy) to the gain of the methanol signal (in dB) ? I can't seem to find any useful information on methanol signal strength anywhere (except given in Jy, but then I can't work out/find out any conversion factors).

Thanks again!