Summary

This book, co-authored by J. L. Pawsey, outlines fundamental principles and techniques of radio astronomy as understood in 1955. It details the physical mechanisms producing radio waves from astronomical sources, the design and calibration of radio telescopes, and methods for analyzing the received signals. The central thesis is that radio waves from celestial objects offer a distinct observational window into the universe, complementing optical astronomy by revealing phenomena not otherwise detectable.

The book explains how to construct and interpret data from early radio interferometers and single-dish telescopes. It covers topics such as atmospheric interference, antenna theory, and the characteristics of various radio sources like the Sun and discrete nebulae. Readers gain an understanding of the historical context of radio astronomy's development and the foundational knowledge required for this nascent field.

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Key concepts

Radio Interferometry — A technique using multiple antennas to achieve higher angular resolution than a single antenna.
Synchrotron Radiation — Electromagnetic radiation emitted by charged particles accelerated in a magnetic field, a key source of cosmic radio waves.
Galactic Continuum Radiation — Non-thermal radio emission originating from the interstellar medium, primarily synchrotron radiation.
Ionospheric Faraday Rotation — The rotation of the plane of polarization of radio waves passing through the Earth's ionosphere, which must be accounted for in observations.