Analytical Section
Section Coordinator: Stephen Tzikas Tzikas@alum.rpi.edu
Background and Context
A number of specialized analytical techniques are used in radio astronomy and some of more common ones are noted in this section. Amateur radio astronomers are always seeking new improvements in experimental designs as new technologies provide such opportunities.
Accessing the Skynet 20m Radio Observation Archive
To view a large assortment of Skynet’s 20m radio observations go to: https://www.gb.nrao.edu/20m Find and click the link for “Log of 20m results”. See the chronological log of observations and the hyperlinks in each observation for continuum and spectra data, data file descriptions, ASCII files, and other process data views shown for the observation.
Analytical Section Strategic Goals
See the Draft/Tentative Strategic Plan 2016-2036
Cas A Observation Program
Access the presentation here
Access the Cas A observation program article here
SARA 20m Radio Telescope Account Guidelines
20m Pulsar Observation Program
Access the presentation here
Access the update here
Learn how to access 20m raw pulsar data here
Maser Observation Program
Raster Scan Observation Program
ISM Observation Program
H1 (“Off the beaten path”) Observation Program
Data and Mathematical Analyses
Fast Fourier Transform and Other Useful Presentations
Calibration, Signal Processing, and Noise
Useful Observational Tips
Forty Foot Telescope Calibration Example
Digital Signal Processing in Radio Astronomy
Citizen Science
Radio astronomy citizen science related to SETI:
http://setiquest.org/join-the-quest/citizen-science
Interferometry
An astronomical interferometer is an array of telescopes or mirror segments acting together to probe structures with higher resolution by means of interferometry. The benefit of the interferometer is that the angular resolution of the instrument is nearly that of a telescope with the same aperture as a single large instrument encompassing all of the individual radiation-collecting sub-components. Astronomical interferometers are widely used for radio astronomy.
Related Radio Astronomy Project(s) and/or Information:
http://www.radio-astronomy.org/node/36
http://fringes.org/
Spectroscopy
Astronomical spectroscopy is the study of astronomy using the techniques of spectroscopy to measure the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Spectroscopy can be used to derive many properties of distant stars and galaxies, such as their chemical composition, temperature, density, mass, distance, luminosity, and relative motion using Doppler shift measurements.
Related Radio Astronomy Project(s) and/or Information:
http://www.radio-astronomy.org/node/37
http://www.radio-astronomy.org/node/35
http://www.jupiterspacestation.org/Meth122FirstLight.html
http://www.jupiterspacestation.org/MethFirstLight.html
Radiometry and Magnetometry
Radiometry is a set of techniques for measuring electromagnetic radiation. Radiometric techniques characterize the distribution of the radiation's power in space. Magnetometry is the study of variations of the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field, which extends several tens of thousands of kilometers into space, is called the magnetosphere and it is this that is affected by events on the Sun.
Related Radio Astronomy Project(s) and/or Information:
http://www.radio-astronomy.org/pdf/lbt.pdf
Polarimetry
Polarimetry has played a key role in the development of modern astronomy, providing insight into physical processes occurring in systems that range from our own solar system to high-redshift galaxies. Modern astronomical observations have, however, revealed a dynamic evolving universe often accompanied by violent events, and is polarized. Radiation from sources becomes directionally polarized as a result of rotation, a magnetic field, or a binary orbit. The source may be intrinsically polarized as in the case of beamed emissions in strong magnetic fields. The polarization properties can be modified by the interstellar medium. Thus measurements of the polarization provide information on the astronomical sources.
Related Radio Astronomy Project(s) and/or Information:
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/events/nmsymposium/2012/talks/Linford_NMSymp_201...
Occultations
An occultation is an event that occurs when one object is hidden by another object that passes between it and the observer.
Related Radio Astronomy Project(s) and/or Information:
http://campus.pari.edu/mwcnew/Research/Lunar_Occulations/lunar_occulatio...
Observation Portocol for Radio Occultations
Software
See references for many applications in this sub-section (To be developed).
Imaging
See references for many applications in this sub-section (To be developed).
Useful Links
• Radio Observing Award Programs
• Citizen Science Radio Astronomy Award Programs
• Links (including related topics in the SARA Listserv Archive, and SARA Journal Table of Contents)
• References
• Glossary: http://www.radio-astronomy.org/pdf/SARA%20Glossary.pdf
• edX Radio Astronomy Certificate Course
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SARA is dedicated to the exploration of radio astronomy at the amateur level. Many amateurs are engaged in developing hardware, software, and methodologies to expand the limits of amateur radio observation. Such amateurs impose intriguing opportunities. With peer review, they can develop new approaches to radio astronomy observation, or offer an equally valuable dissertation on explanations to misidentified radio observations and their nature. SARA welcomes positive diversity of opinion but does not necessarily embrace those opinions as it own.