•  
  •  
 

DEVELOPING A LOW-COST PROTOTYPE OF A RADIO TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMICAL SIGNAL DETECTION**

Abstract

This student-led project documents the design, construction, and theoretical framework of a compact radio telescope system at Georgia Gwinnett College capable of detecting neutral hydrogen emissions to measure Milky Way rotation curves. Teams conducted extensive theoretical research covering celestial coordinate systems, feedhorn antenna design for optimal 1.42 GHz signal collection, Fourier transform processing for spectral analysis, and two-baseline interferometry principles for potential resolution enhancement. The feedhorn functions as a flaring waveguide positioned at the parabolic focal point to minimize signal losses and sidelobesC, while Fast Fourier Transform algorithms enable real-time conversion of time-domain signals to frequency spectra for identifying the 21 cm emission line. Advanced research into two-element interferometry explored geometric delay calculations, visibility functions, and fringe pattern analysis as a foundation. Teams conducted extensive theoretical research covering celestial coordinate systems, feedhorn antenna design for optimal 1.42 GHz signal collection, Fourier transform processing for spectral analysis, and two-baseline interferometry principles for potential resolution enhancement. The feedhorn functions as a flaring waveguide positioned at the parabolic focal point to minimize signal losses and sidelobesC, while Fast Fourier Transform algorithms enable real-time conversion of time-domain signals to frequency spectra for identifying the 21 cm emission line. Advanced research into two-element interferometry explored geometric delay calculations, visibility functions, and fringe pattern analysis as a foundation. Construction commenced November 2025 with anticipated system integration and calibration completion in early 2026, followed by preliminary testing of hydrogen line detection capabilities. This collaborative effort demonstrates the feasibility of constructing educational radio telescopes while providing students with hands-on experience in astronomical instrumentation, CAD design, motor control systems, signal processing, and radio astronomy theory. The completed telescope will serve as a long-term educational resource for undergraduate research in radio astronomy at Georgia Gwinnett College.

Acknowledgements

Applied Physics Laboratory

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS