Glossary of Radio Astronomy Terms

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Glossary of Radio Astronomy Terms

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X-ray Astronomy:

The study of electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet radiation but longer than gamma-rays. The Earth’s atmosphere makes viewing celestial objects difficult from the ground, so objects observed through X-ray must be observed through satellites and rockets attached with X-ray antennas.

X-ray Binary:

A binary system consisting of a normal star and collapsed star of either a neutron star, black hole or white dwarf.

X-ray Telescope:

An antenna often outside of Earth’s atmosphere used to observe short wavelengths on an x-ray level.

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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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