Astronomers realize mysterious TV signal in their data bounced off an airplane

[Admin]

By tracking the TV signal back to the plane that was reflecting it towards the Murchison Wide-field Array, astronomers will be able to learn how to remove it from their data.

Astronomers realize mysterious TV signal in their data bounced off an airplane : Read more

 

[Max Wrent]

back in the analog TV days using antennas, we called that multipath. Multipath signals from aircraft would cause image ghosting.

 

[billslugg]

We need to go to the far side of the Moon to site large arrays of low frequency antennae. Putting them on Earth is a losing proposition.

 

[Classical Motion]

We better test a small moon antenna first. Moon dust might be a show stopper. I have read the dust can easily become charged. Maybe being charged. Does it scoop and pour like fine dust here?

This might give the antenna a life time. Or require regular maintenance. Might be frequency sensitive. Lumps of impedance.

A large metal structure might get covered in dust. A sticky attractive dust.

Expect the worse to avoid future disappointment.

I’m all in for arrays on far side. Many types of instruments. Gives us a reason to go.

 

[Meteoric Marmot]

It seems obvious to me that the long-term future of terrestrial astronomy is bleak, but we are still building telescopes. I think we should stop building instruments that will be compromised by human activity and concentrate the money and design talent on improving our space-based capabilities and, later, lunar facilities.

Astronomers' pleadings will not deter creatures like Musk from his pursuit of dollar$ regardless of consequences. Best to accept that and work around it.

 

[zaxanoid]

Odd how no radio Hams have already replied to this - but bouncing signals of planes (and the ISS) is not unusual.
Airwatch software gives you the positions of planes, and you can reliably use this to make radio contacts