Antenna and Receiver Measurements by Solar and Cosmic Noise

Utilizing the most intense of the several hundred celestial sources of radio frequency energy, and known data about the effective diameter of the sun at various ranges of radio frequencies, a technique for plotting the directional characteristics of large antennas is outlined. Over-all system sensitivities (receiver, antenna, and transmission line) are checked by using values already obtained for sky temperatures. The general receiver characteristics necessary for such measurements are outlined. Patterns of antennas are illustrated and their analysis evaluated.