Earth and Space Science Project Abstract
PROPOSAL FOR NOVEL RADIO ASTRONOMY TELESCOPE DESIGN
Presenters:
Aaron Doukas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; mrpopo@imsa.edu
Robert Quimby, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; bobq@imsa.edu
Donald Schmit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; donjuan1@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Robert Brazzle, Ph.D., Science, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; brazzle@imsa.edu; 630-907-5942
Abstract:
Radio astronomy is limited in the fact that a large parabolic dish is necessary for astute study. Our main goal is to implement a prototype design, which can accurately receive signals without the expense of a parabolic dish, through the use of dual cylindrical reflectors. The advantage behind this design is that it cuts down on the amount of technical engineering necessary. The first phase of our inquiry has been the construction of a radio receiver meant to observe cyclotron radiation between Jupiter and its moon Io. Electrons from Io cause this radiation by traveling across Jupiter’s magnetic field lines. This distorts their path, causing them to give off radiation over a broad range, which includes the frequency of 22.2 MHz. This receiver is a dual-dipole receiver, and we used it to pick-up radiation from Jupiter. Using this receiver we then observed this radiation. The next phase, which we plan on carrying through next year, is the creation of our prototype. Using the knowledge we gained from the receiver we built this year we will be able to continue with our plans of the construction of our prototype.