History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation

Details History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation

Jun 1980

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1980phys...21..599w&link_type=abstract

(University of Copenhagen, Danish Research Council and Nordisk Institut for Teoretisk Atomfysik, Copenhagen Symposium on the Uni

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Background Radiation, Cosmic Rays, Microwave Emission, Radio Astronomy, Radiometers, Cosmology, Extraterrestrial Radiation, Histories, Horn Antennas

Scientific paper

The history of the detection and identification of the cosmic microwave background radiation is related. After a brief review of the design and operation of the antenna and radiometer of a radio telescope, the adaptation of the 20-ft horn reflector antenna at Bell Laboratories, previously used for satellite tracking, for radio astronomy studies is discussed noting plans for the measurement of weak galactic halo radiation at 7 cm and 21 cm. The radiometer system to be used to compare the antenna temperature to that of a reference source, consisting of a radiator in liquid helium, is described, and prior determinations of the noise temperature of a horn reflector travelling wave maser radio telescope system are discussed, noting system temperatures were found to be about 3 K hotter than expected. The observations obtained with the Bell telescope showing an unexplained excess antenna temperature of at least 2 K is then presented, and the sequence of events leading to its identification with relic radiation from the primordial universe is outlined. The confirmation of the background detection by previous measurements of interstellar CN excitation and by microwave observations is indicated, and theories predicting the cosmic black body radiation are noted.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and History of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1218250