Radio Astronomy Measurements at VHF and Microwaves

Radio astronomy measurements of atmospheric absorption, refraction, and scintillation, taken during the summer of 1956, and the spring of 1957, were made at 3.2 cm and 8.7 mm with the Sun as the source, and at 218 mc with solar energy and radiation from Cassiopeia A. Large tropospheric scintillations at angles below 3° made elevation accuracy difficult in the 8.7-mm and 3.2-cm bands. Refraction at 218 mc was greater than at the microwave wavelengths. Scintillations at 218 mc were present during periods of auroral activity. The information obtained has been useful in assessing radar angle-of-elevation accuracy and demonstrates the use of the sun and other celestial bodies as radiation sources for antenna pattern measurements.