Exploring Ambient Radio Frequency Emissions

TL;DR

This study documents historical radio frequency emissions around a Canadian observatory, highlighting the environment's variability and emphasizing the importance of protective measures for radio astronomy.

Contribution

It provides a baseline of radio frequency emissions in a specific environment, illustrating the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of radio-quiet zones.

Findings

Radio emissions are environment-dependent and variable.

Increased satellite activity has altered radio frequency environments.

Protective measures are essential for preserving astronomical observations.

Abstract

Radio astronomy observatories, such as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton, British Columbia, try to limit radio frequency interference to observe incredibly faint astronomical signals. These protective measures include placing observatories in geographically remote locations, the implementation of radio-frequency-interference-free quiet zones, or removal of interference in data processing. In 2018, we set out to explore how necessary radio-quiet zones are, by studying the radio frequency emission around the Observatory and around our local environment in Calgary, Alberta. We studied five well-used radio frequency bands and found the emission to be variable and environment dependent. While the radio frequency environment has changed since then, as a consequence of increased satellite activity and other forms of emission, we present these results as documentation of the past environment with the aim to redo the measurements. Overall, as there is use from both public and private services across the radio spectrum, protective measures at astronomical observatories are essential to reduce radio frequency interference.