Pulsars

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

For more information contact

Sue Ann Heatherly

Pulsars are usually studied at requencies lower than 1000 MHz, because the radio emission is stronger at lower frequencies.  Could we study pulsars in your area? The resources below will get you started.

Resources:
The Discovery of Pulsars: http://www.bigear.org/vol1no1/burnell.htm

What are Pulsars?

• http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/everyone/pulsars/
• http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~pulsar/Education/
• http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/lrr-2008-8/

Why is pulsar astronomy important?

• NRAO Press releases. Look for pulsars: http://www.nrao.edu/pr/
• Double Pulsar discovery: http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/news/doublepulsar2/
• Podcast with Pulsar Astronomer Scott Ransom http://www.gb.nrao.edu/epo/mra/scott.mp3

Radio Frequency Interference:

• Spectrum allocation chart: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.html
• Spectrum use details: http://www.jneuhaus.com/fccindex/spectrum.html
• FCC wireless services description: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=wtb_services_home
• FCC Database search:
  • http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/lat_long_freq.cfm?accessible=YES
  • http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/results.jsp
• RFI page at the NRAO: http://www.gb.nrao.edu/IPG/

Experiment:
Design an experiment using the Quiet Skies Detector that will inform your team about RFI below 1000 MHz in your area.