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  • Book
  • © 2021

Radio and Radar Astronomy Projects for Beginners

Authors:

  • A nontechnical, nonmathematical primer on amateur radio astronomy
  • Includes 4 new amateur projects, including bouncing a signal off the Moon, detecting the aurora and ISS, and more
  • Offers expanded resources for the interested reader

Part of the book series: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series (PATRICKMOORE)

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eBook USD 24.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 32.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

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Table of contents (20 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvii
  2. The History and Science of Radio Astronomy

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. A Brief History of Radio Astronomy

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 3-45
    3. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 47-59
    4. The Audio Spectrum

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 61-65
    5. The Earth

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 67-75
    6. Electrical Components

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 77-96
    7. Types of Antenna

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 97-103
    8. Cables and Connections

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 105-109
    9. Shielding of Equipment

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 111-114
    10. Modulation

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 115-121
  3. Self-Build Tried and Tested Projects

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 123-123
    2. The NASA INSPIRE Project

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 155-180
    3. The NASA Radio Jove Project

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 181-217
  4. Radio Astronomy with a Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 219-219
    2. The Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 221-230
    3. SDR Software

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 231-239
    4. Picking Up the International Space Station

      • Steven Arnold
      Pages 241-249

About this book

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.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Mansfield, UK

    Steven Arnold

About the author

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.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 24.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 32.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access