KING@KESTREL@sri-unix (07/27/82)
I doubt that geosynchronous satellites cause any problems for radio astronomers. First, I assume designers of satellite systems would have made the downlink frequencies ones that were quiet for their own sakes. Second, the satellites are low enough so that if one radio astronomy setup is disturbed, another will be able to pick up the signal. Third, radio astronomers' targets are not stationary in the sky. Nor (as I understand it) does their equipment necessarily require long, uninterrupted exposures. It may merely be necessary to snip out (say) seven second segments every four minutes.
smb (07/29/82)
Certain frequency bands are allocated by WARC (World Administrative Radio Conference) for use by radio astronomers. I seem to recall that there is starting to be some problem about encroachment on these bands, though. Steve Bellovin duke!unc!smb smb.unc@udel-relay
Physics:hal (07/29/82)
A geosynchronous satellite is stationary with respect to the Earth, NOT with respect to the stars! Thus, a given satellite will block a radio telescopes view of a given area of the celestial sphere for a limited time (once per day). Hal Chambers pur-ee!Physics:hal