No longer an active ham, Greber lives in Tasmania, where he continues his studies in radio astronomy. Then, for several years after this original discovery, the only person following up with systematic and well-designed radio astronomy observations was a radio amateur. Before we leave the topic of light and associated frequencies, there are now available on the World Wide Web nearly two million images from an infrared sky survey sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Infrared frequencies were used because signals at these wavelengths pass through gas and dust in our galaxy better than visible light. Most of us think of infrared in terms of very short-range signals, such as from our TV remotes to the set, or in public restrooms, for that matter.
Astronomers think of infrared in terms of exceedingly long-range signals.
It's time for hams to start thinking about infrared in terms of a viable communications medium. Remember, our amateur licenses grant us the authority to experiment and operate on all frequencies above 300 GHz. It is an opportunity that we must embrace. Inc. All rights reserved. Inc. Hyperlinks to this page are permitted.