Radio Project Spectral Bands

Radio astronomy projects at WKU sample a broad spectral range, as shown on the following chart of the Earth's atmospheric transparency to different types of radiation (adapted from Carroll & Ostlie 1996). Optical light, radio waves, and a few infrared and ultraviolet rays reach the ground from space, but other kinds of radiation must be observed from outside the atmosphere.

Optical telescopes capture the same sort of light as human vision, plus some in the near-IR and near-UV ranges. Radio telescopes, however, detect much longer wavelengths and lower frequencies -- by a factor of 10,000 or more! Wavelength and frequency values are indicated on the chart in several different units, since they change by many orders of magnitude along the electromagnetic spectrum.

The 3-meter radio telescope will look out on the Universe through the radio spectral window in 3 separate bands (Ku, C, and L). Smaller dish projects will use some of these same bands. Radio Jove is tuned to frequencies 100 to 1000 times lower, on the edge of the window; here the ionosphere can sometimes act like a mirror, depending on time of day and solar activity. VLF radio signals, which are another 1000 to 100,000 times lower in frequency, are entirely trapped inside the ionosphere but can convey lightning signatures from the other side of the world. (The spectral range between the 3 m telescope bands and most VLF signals is larger than that between typical radio and optical telescopes.)

The radio window also affects the reception of commercial radio stations. AM broadcast signals outside the window experience ionospheric reflection at night and can propagate hundreds of miles, while FM broadcasts inside the window are not reflected and can only travel 50 miles or so. There are exceptions however, such as meteor ion trails, which can briefly reflect FM or other VHF signals from farther away.

For reference, ITU radio band designations are marked at the bottom of the chart; these differ from the IEEE radar bands labeling the 3 m receivers above.


Radio Projects