A radio telescope is a specialised device used to detect radio waves emitted by celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies. Unlike optical telescopes, which observe visible light, radio telescopes are designed to capture radio frequencies from the electromagnetic spectrum. This enables astronomers to examine celestial phenomena that remain invisible to the human eye, even during daylight hours.
- Radio telescopes capture radio waves that our eyes cannot see, allowing us to study objects emitting radio waves.
- The parabolic dishes reflect radio waves to a focal point, where a radio receiver is placed.
- The gathered data is analysed by a computer to create images of the source.
The Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune, India, is a large and unique radio telescope.
- It consists of 30 dishes, each 45 m in diameter, arranged over an area of 25 km.
- This setup mimics a single dish with a 25 km diameter, producing detailed observations.
- Built at a low cost by Indian scientists and engineers, it is a world-class research facility.
- GMRT studies various celestial phenomena like solar winds, pulsars, and interstellar hydrogen clouds.
- Scientists from across the globe visit India to use the GMRT for their research.
Radio telescope
The structure of a radio telescope
