Getting Started

Introduction to the Radio Astronomy Group

You have landed on the BAA RAG Web pages. The site content is being rewritten with additional new content added on a regular basis. We would welcome details of projects that you are working on or any observations that you have made. Please contact Jeff Lashley

Aims

Many amateur astronomers who are interested in what happens outside of the optical spectrum are put off making radio observations because they believe that large parabolic aerials and complicated electronic circuits are required to receive the very faint signals arriving from space. They are put off, too, in thinking that the radio astronomer’s output comprises nothing more than reams of paper on which traces akin to squiggly lines are recorded. It is true that there are aspects of radio astronomy that need big dishes and sophisticated electronics, but there are others that can be observed with relatively simple equipment.
The aim of these web-pages will be to show that there are aspects of radio astronomy that can be observed using relatively simple equipment, and that observations of scientific merit can be achieved by modest observatories that can be accommodated in an average-sized back garden. The foundations of radio astronomy were laid down by amateurs as well as professionals and the rapid developments in electronics and computing over recent years makes the building of a personal radio astronomy observatory both feasible and affordable.
For those who have no wish to build equipment the intention is to provide a range of instruments available 'off-the-shelf'. Of course, some construction will be needed, in the same way that an optical telescope has to be set up on a mount or protected from the elements, but the aim is to avoid the need for constructing electronic circuits.
Others will want to take a more hands-on approach, perhaps starting with quite simple constructions and progressing upwards. This may be particularly relevant for younger members. The Group's aim here is to provide information on projects of all levels, links to what others have done, and a discussion board for exchanging information, experiences and observations.

Contributions

We always appreciate feedback on the work of the Group and suggestions as to what should be included on this site. If you would like to help in any way please drop a mail to the RAG Coordinator. RAG is not a collection of experts in radio astronomy but of people who are simply interested in the subject and would like to learn more, perhaps you build equipment or just make observations. Your contributions will help others.

UKRAA

The UK Radio Astronomy Association (UKRAA) was set up in 2008 with the support of the Radio Astronomy Group of the British Astronomical Association to handle the development and sale of radio astronomy equipment developed by the BAA RAG. 
The UKRAA is a charitable company limited by guarantee. 
For information on the UK Radio Astronomy Association, please visit their website at www.ukraa.com