Introduction to Radio Astronomy

SARA Website: www.radio-astronomy.org

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Radio astronomy allows us to tune into the universe. This has allowed us to over double our knowledge of the universe. This introduction is a brief overview of where astronomy and radio astronomy started and are currently going. We also peek into the world of both the amateur and professional radio astronomer.

Introduction to Radio Astronomy
Ed Harfmann

Join us for an introduction and review of radio astronomy. We will cover:
• Why radio astronomy is important to our understanding of the universe.
• A brief review of how it got started to when it became seriously recognized as a serious science.
• What do the professionals use and why it is important to amateurs.
• An overview of what people do to get started.
• “Speed bumps” that you can expect and should not detract from your getting started.

This introduction is not meant to explain everything but rather to allow you to see and understand enough to get started in your own adventure as an amateur radio astronomer.