RadioSTAR is a platform for students to learn about astronomy, physics, and engineering by building small scale radio telescopes and a radio interferometer.
Radio interferometry is the technology that enables astronomers to use multiple radio antennas to achieve high resolution imaging, which would not
be possible with a single antenna.
With the recent images of black holes from the event horizon telescope (EHT) and the increasing desire to explore the universe at radio wavelengths,
this technology is more relevant than ever.
Plan
At this stage of the project, a single three-meter dish radio telescope has been built and is fully operational. This telescope has been built to detect the hydrogen content in the universe and can be used as an educational tool for teaching the basics principles of radio astronomy.
The next stage of the project is to develop the hardware and software for a very small scale two element interferometer. Following this, work can begin on multiple antennas with larger distances separating the antennas.
Target
The long-term goal of the project is to build a network of radio telescopes across Danish teaching institutions to create a baseline interferometer. Then this can be a useful as a platform for teaching the younger generation about radio astronomy and physics.