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Goniopolarimetric techniques for low-frequency radio astronomy in space

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Observing Photons in Space

Part of the book series: ISSI Scientific Report Series ((ISSI,volume 9))

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Abstract

The principles of space-based low-frequency radio astronomy are briefly introduced. As the wavelength range considered does not allow the use of focusing systems, goniopolarimetric (or “direction-finding”) techniques have been developed. These techniques are presented, and their limitations are discussed. An example from a recent study on auroral radio emissions at Saturn from Cassini/RPWS measurements illustrates the techniques.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This wavelength range is called the short antenna or quasistatic range.

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Acknowledgements

The author wants to thank L. Lamy, R. Prangé and P. Zarka for their helpful discussion during the preparation of the manuscript. He also wants to thank Martin C.E. Huber (advised by M. Pick) for soliciting him to write this chapter.Part of this chapter is based on a presentation “Space-based Radio Measurements: Goniopolarimetry” given at the thirtieth Goutelas Spring school: “Low Frequency Radioastronomy: Instrumentation, Science, Projects”, Marcoux, France, June 2007 (Cecconi 2011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LESIA, Observatoire de Paris/CNRS/UPMC/Université Denis Diderot, Meudon, France

    Baptiste Cecconi

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  1. Baptiste Cecconi
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI, Switzerland

    Martin C. E. Huber , Anuschka Pauluhn  & Alex Zehnder ,  & 

  2. Mullard Space Science Lab, University College London, Dorking, Surrey, UK

    J. Len Culhane

  3. Nightsen, Inc., Tiverton, Rhode Island, USA

    J. Gethyn Timothy

  4. Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany

    Klaus Wilhelm

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Cecconi, B. (2013). Goniopolarimetric techniques for low-frequency radio astronomy in space. In: Huber, M.C.E., Pauluhn, A., Culhane, J.L., Timothy, J.G., Wilhelm, K., Zehnder, A. (eds) Observing Photons in Space. ISSI Scientific Report Series, vol 9. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_15

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