The first detection of radio waves from an astronomical object was in 1933. Radio astronomy is a field of astronomy that studies the universe using radio frequencies. Scientists try to understand the small details of the universe. Radio waves are a great way to study the universe.

Scientists can detect new objects in the universe when they emit radiation. They then can identify the objects using their different wavelengths. Radio astronomy uses radio telescopes to detect objects in the universe. Before we dive into how radio astronomy reveals the universe, it is important to understand the advantages of radio astronomy. 

Advantages of radio astronomy 

  1. Continuous operation 

Radio astronomy can work in any condition. They can operate at any time of the day or during any weather. Continuous operation means that research does not stop because of severe conditions like winter or sandstorms. 

  1. Allows more research into the universe 

Hydrogen is the main gas in our universe. Hydrogen is very cold, which makes it difficult to detect objects with our bare eyes. However, hydrogen emits in the radio spectrum. Therefore, we can learn more about our universe by using radio telescopes. 

  1. Expands research options 

Celestial dust and debris don't block radio telescopes, unlike other telescopes. Radio waves can go through giant dust clouds or similar objects, which gives scientists more insight into the universe.

Sources of radio astronomy 

Radio astronomy leads to an increase in astronomical knowledge. Radio astronomy allows scientists to see objects they cannot detect in optical astronomy. Sources of radio astronomy include 

  • The sun 

  • Jupiter

  • The galactic centre of the universe

  • Merging galaxy clusters which emit radiation 

  • Supernova remnants 

  • Cosmic microwave background 

How radio astronomy works 

Our universe is mainly made up of hydrogen gas. As mentioned earlier, hydrogen gas is cold and does not allow light emission. However, objects in the universe radiate many other types of light across the electromagnetic spectrum. 

The electromagnetic spectrum has a radio wave portion that comes from energetic objects and processes in the universe and cold, dark objects like hydrogen that emit no visible light. 

Radio astronomers use different methods and instruments to detect different wavelengths given by different objects in the universe. The most common instrument scientists use to detect radio waves is a radio telescope.

You can find a radio telescope in an astronomical observatory. This is a building or an area with telescopes that observe the universe. Humans are a visual species, and we need to see or imagine how the universe is. Unlike visible-light telescopes, radio telescopes don't take pictures. Instead, they detect radio signals which a supercomputer turns into data which generates images which scientists can understand. These images can show characteristics such as an object's temperature, the strength of emission, or density. 

Radio astronomy is an important invention for humans because it makes us understand our universe better. Radio telescopes give clear insights into deep space and reveal secrets of the universe not known to humans before. At Astro haven, we focus on matters about astronomy. We take care of maintenance and repair in your astronomical observatory so you can do the most important tasks.