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How to Make an Image of the Radio Sky

-- | November 4, 2013

Question: How do you make an image from a radio wave? — Luke

Answer: Images are made from the radio-wavelength signals from astronomical objects by using a technique called “synthesis imaging”. A “synthesis image” is created by combining the multiplied signals from two or more radio telescopes while monitoring the emission from the object under study for an extended period of time. There are more details about this process, and a general description of how a radio telescope works, on our “How Radio Telescopes Work” page. If you have further questions about how radio telescopes and interferometers work please do ask.

Jeff Mangum

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
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