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Alright, I know about optical telescopes, but I haven't a clue how a radio telescope forms an image. I'm used to pixels on CCD's measuring photon counts, but how are the radio waves detected and an image created from them?
toycoma said:Google the Itty Bitty Radio Telescope and build it. I did all thanks to Directv. Matter of fact I'm building a second one four miles away and linking them together via the internet. Talk about interferometry. Why didn't we think of this before? Lol
The unit is in operation now, but it may be a while before any 'images' are available.The telescope is intended for radio-astrophysical observations of extragalactic objects with ultra-high resolution, as well as researching of characteristics of near-Earth and interplanetary plasma.
Solon said:Space based radio astronomy is something I thought would have been used more, but it seems very little has been done. Presently the ony unit in use is the Spektr-R.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radio_telescopes#Space-based
The unit is in operation now, but it may be a while before any 'images' are available.
syhprum said:I do not think there is any possibility of setting up an interferometry system coupling the antennas via the internet the delay time needs to be very stable although a microwave link might work if you have a direct line of sight, the other possibility is to use synchronized recorders and post processing of the signals
toycoma said:Google the Itty Bitty Radio Telescope and build it. I did all thanks to Directv. Matter of fact I'm building a second one four miles away and linking them together via the internet. Talk about interferometry. Why didn't we think of this before? Lol
SpaceDreamer said:If you want a small radio telescope I found this: http://www.haystack.mit.edu/edu/undergrad/srt/index.html, it gives details on how to build a radio telescope along with some projects for it and instruction Manuel and parts list is on the site. Would be interesting to build.
A radio telescope is a specialized instrument used to detect and collect radio waves from objects in space. It is similar to an optical telescope, but instead of collecting visible light, it collects radio waves which are a form of electromagnetic radiation.
A radio telescope works by using a large parabolic dish or array of smaller dishes to collect radio waves from space. The waves are then directed to a receiver, which amplifies and converts them into electrical signals that can be analyzed by scientists.
Radio telescopes can provide valuable information about the structure, composition, and movement of objects in space. They can also be used to study the behavior of stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies, as well as detect signals from potential extraterrestrial civilizations.
While optical telescopes use visible light to observe objects in space, radio telescopes use radio waves. This allows them to detect objects that may not emit visible light, such as gas clouds and black holes. Additionally, radio telescopes can operate day and night, unlike optical telescopes which are limited by daylight.
Radio telescopes are typically located in remote and isolated areas, away from sources of radio interference such as cities and cell phone towers. They are often built on high mountains or in deserts to minimize the effects of Earth's atmosphere on the radio waves. Some are also placed in orbit around Earth for a clearer view of the universe.