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Main Authors: Freeman, Pamela, Brown, Jo-Anne C.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.01752
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author Freeman, Pamela
Brown, Jo-Anne C.
author_facet Freeman, Pamela
Brown, Jo-Anne C.
contents Radio astronomy observatories, such as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton, British Columbia, try to limit radio frequency interference to observe incredibly faint astronomical signals. These protective measures include placing observatories in geographically remote locations, the implementation of radio-frequency-interference-free quiet zones, or removal of interference in data processing. In 2018, we set out to explore how necessary radio-quiet zones are, by studying the radio frequency emission around the Observatory and around our local environment in Calgary, Alberta. We studied five well-used radio frequency bands and found the emission to be variable and environment dependent. While the radio frequency environment has changed since then, as a consequence of increased satellite activity and other forms of emission, we present these results as documentation of the past environment with the aim to redo the measurements. Overall, as there is use from both public and private services across the radio spectrum, protective measures at astronomical observatories are essential to reduce radio frequency interference.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2411_01752
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Exploring Ambient Radio Frequency Emissions
Freeman, Pamela
Brown, Jo-Anne C.
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Radio astronomy observatories, such as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton, British Columbia, try to limit radio frequency interference to observe incredibly faint astronomical signals. These protective measures include placing observatories in geographically remote locations, the implementation of radio-frequency-interference-free quiet zones, or removal of interference in data processing. In 2018, we set out to explore how necessary radio-quiet zones are, by studying the radio frequency emission around the Observatory and around our local environment in Calgary, Alberta. We studied five well-used radio frequency bands and found the emission to be variable and environment dependent. While the radio frequency environment has changed since then, as a consequence of increased satellite activity and other forms of emission, we present these results as documentation of the past environment with the aim to redo the measurements. Overall, as there is use from both public and private services across the radio spectrum, protective measures at astronomical observatories are essential to reduce radio frequency interference.
title Exploring Ambient Radio Frequency Emissions
topic Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.01752