Radio and Radar Astronomy Projects for Beginners (eBook)

Radio and radar astronomy are powerful tools when studying the wonders of the universe, yet they tend to mystify amateur astronomers. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to newcomers, containing everything you need to start observing at radio wavelengths.

Written by a mechanical engineer who has actually built and operated the tools described, the book contains a plethora of tested advice and practical resources. This revised edition of the original 2014 book Getting Started in Radio Astronomy provides a complete overview of the latest technology and research, including the newest models and equipment on the market as well as an entirely new section on radio astronomy with software-defined radios (SDRs). 

Four brand-new beginner projects are included, including bouncing a radar signal off the Moon, detecting the aurora, and tuning into the downlink radio used by astronauts aboard the ISS. Requiring no previous knowledge, no scary mathematics, and no expensive equipment, the book will serve as a fun and digestible reference for any level of astronomers hoping to expand their skills into the radio spectrum.

Steven Arnold is a certified mechanical engineer and long-time radio astronomer. He is a member of a number of astronomical groups and organizations. He has his own small permanent observatory with a number of optical telescopes, and enjoys solar system, deep-sky imaging, spectroscopy, and radio astronomy. He has recorded a number of podcasts for the 365daysofastronomy.org. project. He has also contributed radio astronomy articles about the NASA Radio Jove receiver kit and also wrote about the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Steven is a certified kickboxing instructor and has risen to the rank of 3rd Dan. He also enjoys walking with his rescue dogs and driving his VW campervan.