After this brief window, one person stays behind with the telescope to keep it running during the winter months. While at the pole in December 2000, I will be involved with the installation of a 4 channel 810 GHz receiver called PoleStar. As part of the installation process, we will be taking some data which will illustrate what a radio telescope can see. The south pole is a unique environment, and one of the ideal places on earth to have a radio telescope. Since the frequencies of light that the telescope looks at are absorbed by water molecules in the atmosphere, it is advantages to be at an altitude of more than 9,300 feet with cold temperatures, resulting in an extremely low level of water between the telescope and outer space.
Radio astronomy is also very different than what most people associate with astronomy.
Looking at objects with detectors other than your eyes allows you to see different aspects of the sky, as well as being able to observe while the sun is up. I am looking forward to immersing myself in radio astronomy, and sharing my experiences here. I encourage you to follow my adventures, and share your thoughts, questions and comments.