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NRAO 43-m telescope operation at 170-1700 MHz: a Bi-Static Radar Collaboration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2006

Glen Langston*
Affiliation:
National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank, WV 24944, USA email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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The NRAO 43m telescope has been refurbished and begun regular observations in the frequency range 170 - 1700 MHz. The 43 m operations support a Bi-Static Radar Collaboration to measure the Earth's ionospheric turbulence. Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have designed and built a unique design wide-band feed, 150 - 1700 MHz. Lincoln Laboratories/MIT has packaged the feed with room temperature low noise amplifiers. Lincoln Laboratories has installed a high-dynamic range RF system together with a wide-band sampler system. The NRAO operates the 43 m telescope according to schedules authored by Lincoln Laboratories. Currently the 43 m telescope is tracking spacecraft 48 hr a week. The tracking antenna operation is completely automated. A group at MIT/Haystack have installed a second radar experiment at the 43 m as well as an array of 6 ‘discone’ antennas. Their experiment is testing the use of reflected FM radio stations as probes of the ionosphere.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2007