Preserving radio astronomy in developing nations

Abstract

Due to the very weak nature of signals from cosmic radio sources, the sensitivity of a radio telescope and receiver is about 40- 60 dB higher than those of communications receivers. Hence, radio telescopes are generally located in relatively radio-quiet locations and o p erate in frequency bands that are protected against radio interference through frequency planning by national governments. Taking advantage of the much lower degree of radio interference in developing countries and the relatively labour-intensive nature of metre-wave radio telescopes, several such radio telescopes have been built and are planned in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Mauritius and South Africa. Radio telescopes operating at cm-wavelengths are also planned in Egypt and Mexico.