NCAT University Radio Observatory (NURO)
Students (2014): Deion Weddale, Anthony Paterson, Hope Peguese,  J. Pozo
Faculty Advisor: Abebe Kebede
CORCES IMPACTED: PHYS101, PHS280, PHYS480 and PHYS451

Radio Astronomy is the study of the universe using radio frequencies. Just in the same way as we make images of celestial bodies using optical telescopes, we use other components of the electromagentic spectrum to make impages. Over many decades scienitsts and engineers developed different tyes of telescopes. As you may see in the table. One such telescope is radio telescope. At NURO we operate very simple student built radio telescopes, that we use to study ionospheric disturbances (SID), and  Radio jove to monotor radio emissions from giant planets such as Jupiter
Telescope
 Wavelength range
Gamma Ray
x-ray
Ultra violet
Visible
Infrared
Micro
Radio

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

The primary objectives of NURO are to develop international collaborations  among space scientists whose research interests include (1) longitudinal and seasonal  variations of total electron content (TEC), (2) variations in ionospheric plasma parameters,  and (3) scintillations at mid and low-latitudes.  NURO uses various ground based  instruments to gather data on the impact of solar phenomena and  associated magnetospheric, ionospheric and geomagnetic effects on the near-earth space environment.  Data on these phenomena are used in forecasting space weather.  Data from all over the world are  needed to develop robust forecasting models,  NURO provides the collaboative student platform to investigate the phenomena  during quiet and disturbed space weather conditions and contribute to a better understanding  of space weather and upper atmospheric processes during low and high solar activity  periods.  

Geomagnetic storms can cause electric power blackouts by inducing  damaging currents in the electric power grids. High energy particles cause damage  to satellites, present an increased risk of radiation exposure for humans in space and in high-  altitude aircraft. They also change the atmospheric drag on satellites, cause errors in Global Positioning  Systems (GPS) and in VLF navigation systems, cause loss of HF communications, and  disruption of UHF satellite links.  Improvements in the prediction of these storms will be of  great benefit to the civilian and military communities.  NURO is equiped with ITS30, SCINDA GPS Receiver and two student built radio anthenas for ionospheric obesvations.

SID MONITORS

RADIO JOVE