Small Radio Telescope

Haystack Observatory (MIT - USA) developed a small radio telescope (SRT) capable of continuum and spectral line observations in the L-band (1.42 GHz). This radio astronomy kit provides everything needed to introduce students and amateur astronomers to the field of radio astronomy. A radio telescope is an excellent teaching tool as it involves the combined technologies of microwave engineering and digital computing. Its use involves astronomy, digital signal processing, software development, and analysis.

The SRT is a standard 2 metre diameter satellite television dish mounted on top of a fully motorized Az-El mount. This mounting arrangement allows the observer to perform total power measurements and contour mapping. Software has been provided for controlling the antenna and selection of sources. Data reduction can be performed using existing radio astronomy software packages or left as an exercise for the student. With two antennae, these can be operated together to create a longer baseline and thereby improve resolution.

A number of student lab projects are available including measuring the beam width, efficiency and sensitivity of the antenna, collecting solar flux data from the Sun and measuring the Galactic Rotation Curve by the observation of hydrogen lines.