What Do Radio Telescopes Do About Snow and Ice Accumulation?

-- Linda | January 7, 2024

Question:

antennae and snow. I expect that the VLA being able to pretty much see the universe, today’s snow doesn’t much interfer, but I was wondering if you point the dishes down to keep the snow from accumulating, maybe just out of care for the physical plant of the units? Or just ignore it and keep collecting data? Thanks!

-- Linda

Answer:

Measurements that radio telescopes that operate at relatively long wavelengths, about one centimeter or longer, are not affected by snow or ice accumulation on their reflective surfaces. From an operational perspective, though, many radio telescopes will point their antennas toward the Sun or place them in a “stow” position to prevent further accumulation when the snow or ice accumulation is significant, which could potentially impact the performance of the antenna. The VLA can use both of these techniques to limit snow and ice accumulation.

-- Jeff Mangum

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