However, it will also be the first time such data has ever been captured for the entire sky at once. Despite it's initial limitations, Argus will be capable of detecting certain classes of SETI candidate signals. The difference is, of course, that Argus will have this sensitivity over the entire sky. Thus, Argus may detect strong signals which go unnoticed simply because no other radio telescope is looking in the right place at the right time. The system will also be well-suited to the detection and tracking of satellites transmitting between 400 MHz and 2000 MHz.
Satellites represent a perpetual headache for radio astronomers around the world.
This is because reliable information on many of the troublesome satellites is not available to the public. Using Argus, however, we can periodically make an inventory of transmissions from orbit, which can then be analyzed to determine orbital parameters and possible identify the satellite. Radio astronomers can then schedule their observations to minimize the impact of these satellites. Dr. Ellingson leads a team of researchers and students who are currently developing the system. Most of the financial support for Argus has comes from the SETI Institute , which in turn is supported primarily by private donations.