Radio Astronomy

Very Large Array Socorro, NM

40 meter radio telescope

How Radio Telescopes Work Radio telescopes can produce images of objects in space that would have been missed by an optical telescope.

Describe how a radio telescope is used to produce “images”. 2.16 Describe how a radio telescope is used to produce “images”. One or more antennas to collect the incoming radio waves. A receiver and amplifier to boost the very weak radio signal to a measurable level. A recorder to keep a record of the signal.

Explain the advantages of using radio telescopes 2.16 Explain the advantages of using radio telescopes Advantages: They can see parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that other instruments cannot see (ie Radio Waves) They can see through dust Example: they can see the other side of the Milky Way They can see ionized Hydrogen and thus map the Galaxy They work day or night They are relatively simple technology

Greenbank, West Virginia NRAO Greenbank, West Virginia

10 Meter Radio Telescope

Navy Radio Telescope

GBT

Janskies Minutes

Radio Telescope Image of Galaxy M81

VLA Image

Pulsar Radio Image