First astrophysical observations with the low frequency all sky monitor

Author

Emma Youmans Handzo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Dr. Teviet Creighton

Second Advisor

Dr. Fredrick Jenet

Third Advisor

Dr. Volker Quetschke

Abstract

The Low Frequency All Sky Monitor (LoFASM) is a radio telescope that consists of dipole antennas. It is sensitive to the frequencies of 10-88MHz. The primary science goals of LoFASM are to detect and study low frequency radio transient events and to develop and test low frequency interference (RFI) mitigation techniques.

Once a telescope starts collecting data, it is necessary to calibrate the telescope to convert the data into standard units. This will allow for scientific deductions to be made from the data. Once the calibration of a telescope is complete it is necessary to determine what astrophysical sources are observable from it and how sensitive the telescope is.

This thesis describes the process that is taken to calibrate the LoFASM stations using the Galaxy, as well as initial sensitivity findings towards different astrophysical sources.

Comments

Copyright 2015 Emma Youmans Handzo. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/first-astrophysical-observations-with-low/docview/1771508827/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Handzo, Emma Youmans, "First astrophysical observations with the low frequency all sky monitor" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 40.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/40