Introduction

• There are two projects in the area of astrophysics that are both interesting and suitable for undergraduate basic research and engineering projects.
• In contrast to optical astonomy which is difficult during most of the academic year, radio telescopes can see through clouds. There are many strong sources of RF signals within our solar system and beyond.
• Building and launching "microsatellites" is currently pursued at several universities under the CubeSat Program. Since OSU is a Space Grant university, there is the possibility of both institutional and external support for such a program.
• Faculty advisor: W. Hetherington, 105 Weniger, 737-1689, email
• JPL PhotoJournal

Radio Astronomy

• Detect solar RF emissions and synchrotron radiation from Jupiter at low frequencies (13 to 300 MHz) using simple, non-imaging antennas.
• Detect solar radiation, hydrogen and other molecular species in the 1.4 to 1.7 GHz range using a parabolic, imaging antenna.
• Some images:
  • Sun at 1.4 GHz
  • Plan for the roof of Weniger
  • 1.4 GHz image of synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons circulating around Jupiter
  • Supernova remnant at 1.4 GHz
  • At 1.4 GHz, two spiral galaxies that have passed through each other
  • Galaxy M33 at 1.4GHz, with doppler shifts
  • Black hole belches 14 solar masses of plasma, at 8.4 GHz
• CRAF Handbook for Radio Astronomy
• National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• NRAO Summer Research Assistantship - Application deadline is January 29.
• NASA Radio Jove Project for low frequency solar and Jovian observations.
• Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers
• Radio Astronomy Supplies
• Radio astronomy and the electromagnetic spectrum
• The water hole in radioastronomy and SETI

Spacecraft and Atmospheric Probes

• CubeSat Program
  • Identify a useful measurement or experiment to be made in low earth orbit using a microsatellite with an unknown rotational axis.
  • Design and build a microsatellite beginning with commercially available cubesat components.
  • Launch the satellite using any available rocket.
  • Cubesat Wiki
  • Cubesat program at Cal Poly
  • Cubesat kit
  • Stensat satellites
  • Pumpkin cubesats and Salvo operating system
• CanSat Program
  • Identify a useful measurement or experiment to be made during a very suborbital flight.
  • Design and build a can-sized craft.
  • Launch the cansat during the CanSat Competition.
• Atmospheric Probe Program
  • Identify a useful measurement or experiment to be made during a helium-filled balloon flight to as high as 100,000 feet.
  • Design and build a probe and balloon system.
  • Launch the balloon after receiving FAA clearance.