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Title:  Radio and Radar Astronomy Projects for Beginners 2nd Edition

Author: Steven Arnold
Edition:2nd
ISBN: 978-3-030-54905-3
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer
Binding: Soft Cover
Size approximately (inches): 6 x 9-1/4
Pages: 310

Book Condition: Very Good. Previously owned.  Some minor rolled corners

Special Notes: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series

About the book*

Radio and Radar Astronomy Projects for Beginners (2nd Edition) by Steven Arnold is a practical guide designed to introduce amateur astronomers and hobbyists to the field of radio and radar astronomy. This revised edition builds upon the original 2014 publication, Getting Started in Radio Astronomy, incorporating the latest technological advancements and research in the field. 

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Introduction: The book offers a thorough overview of radio and radar astronomy, demystifying complex concepts and making them accessible to beginners.

• Hands-On Projects: Four new beginner-friendly projects are included, such as bouncing a radar signal off the Moon, detecting auroras, and tuning into the downlink radio used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). 

• Updated Technology: An entirely new section on software-defined radios (SDRs) has been added, reflecting the latest trends and equipment in radio astronomy. 

• Accessible Content: Written by a mechanical engineer with hands-on experience, the book avoids complex mathematics and expensive equipment, making it suitable for readers with no prior knowledge. 

This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the universe through radio and radar observations, providing practical guidance and projects to get started in this fascinating field.

Table of contents: Radio and Radar Astronomy Projects for Beginners (2nd Edition, 2021) by Steven Arnold

Part I: The History and Science of Radio Astronomy

1. A Brief History of Radio Astronomy
   An overview of the development of radio astronomy, highlighting key milestones and discoveries.

2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum
   Discussion on the range of electromagnetic waves and their relevance to radio astronomy.

3. The Audio Spectrum
   Exploration of the audio frequency range and its applications in radio observations.

4. The Earth
   Examination of Earth's properties that affect radio wave propagation and reception.

5. Electrical Components
   Introduction to basic electrical components used in building radio astronomy equipment.

6. Types of Antenna
   Overview of various antenna designs suitable for amateur radio astronomy projects.

7. Cables and Connections
   Guidance on selecting and using appropriate cables and connectors for signal integrity.

8. Shielding of Equipment
   Techniques for minimizing interference and protecting equipment from unwanted signals.

9. Modulation
   Explanation of modulation methods and their significance in radio signal processing.

Part II: Self-Build Tried and Tested Projects

10. The Stanford Solar Center’s SuperSID Monitor
    Instructions for constructing and operating a Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance monitor to observe solar activity.

11. The NASA INSPIRE Project
    Details on building a receiver to detect natural radio emissions in the very low frequency (VLF) range.

12. The NASA Radio Jove Project
    Guidance on setting up a system to observe radio emissions from Jupiter and the Sun.

Part III: Radio Astronomy with a Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

13. The Software-Defined Radio (SDR)
    Introduction to SDR technology and its applications in radio astronomy.

14. SDR Software
    Overview of software tools compatible with SDRs for signal analysis and data collection.

15. Picking Up the International Space Station
    Methods for receiving and decoding signals transmitted from the ISS.

16. Radar Detection of Meteors and the International Space Station
    Techniques for using radar to detect meteors and track the ISS.

Appendices and Reference Material

• Appendix A
  Supplementary information supporting the main content.

• Glossary
  Definitions of technical terms used throughout the book.

• Index
  An alphabetical listing of topics covered for quick reference.

This structured approach provides readers with both theoretical knowledge and practical projects, making it an excellent resource for beginners interested in exploring radio and radar astronomy.

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From W5SWL

*AI is used to present some modern description content. Subject to review and possible inaccuracy.