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Measuring Solar Signal In A Radio Telescope

This research project explores the process of setting up and aligning a radio telescope, focusing on measuring the solar signal. Discover the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and future work to explore outer space.

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Measuring Solar Signal In A Radio Telescope

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  1. Measuring Solar SignalIn A Radio Telescope David Christopher Balding March 16, 2005 South Carolina Junior Academy of Science

  2. How It All Came About • Research project done in Sophomore English Class on Apollo Missions • Met Dr. John Bernard who is a Radio Astronomer • Began interest in becoming a future astronaut

  3. The Main Purpose • The purpose of this project were these reasons: • To further my knowledge in Radio Astronomy • To further my interest in space • To work toward becoming an astronaut

  4. In the beginning… • First step was to put together a radio astronomy station that could be used near my home in rural Pickens County, SC • The next step was to get inexpensive receiving equipment to use • Final step was to align the radio telescope

  5. The Process • The following process was used in getting the radio telescope set up accurately: • Use a C-band setup and move the dish the latitude of the sun’s position, due South • Run audio analysis software on a computer connected to the audio output of the receiver

  6. Main Application Problems • With all the hardware and software running, this was the received spectral data:

  7. Application Problems • As one can see the relative amplitude of the solar signal did not increase or decrease as expected • The db level stayed constant around -52 • These results presented problems with the experiment

  8. Solution • After several reattempts and suggestions from my mentors it seemed that the AGC or auto gain control built into the receiver was causing the audio level to remain constant • A custom built receiver with AGC circuit removed was tried

  9. Results • I received the same picture of data after reattempts.

  10. Temporary Solution • Still had problems… The conclusion after several reattempts with the new receiver in line, was that the receiver was being overloaded with too much signal • As a temporary solution, two copper probes were put inline between the receiver and the radio telescope connectors… letting the signal radiate…

  11. Success!! • After the probes were put inline the below signal/data was received:

  12. Fixed Solution • As you can see the data shows an increase in relative amplitude then a short peak, then finally a decrease. • So to have a controlled variable, a project built variable attenuator was inserted. • This put attenuation inline just like the probes did earlier. • The following picture of data was received.

  13. Future Work • After the success of building, aligning, and testing a radio telescope, my plans are to do the following: • Explore outer space using the radio telescope to find other radio sources • To do a transit on Sagittarius A and compare and contrast data from it to the sun • To promote interest in space to younger students in school

  14. Special Thanks • Special Thanks goes to: • Doug Fagan • Dr. John D Bernard • Crenshaw Satellite Television • Carl Lyster • Mrs. Watson

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