The study of radio frequency interference (RFI) in altitude effect on radio astronomy in Malaysia and Thailand

• Published in: Middle East Journal of Scientific Research
• Main Author: Umar R.; Abidin Z.Z.; Ibrahim Z.A.; Gasiprong N.; Asanok K.; Nammahachak S.; Aukkaravittayapun S.; Somboopon P.; Prasit A.; Prasert N.; Hamidi Z.S.; Hashim N.; Ungku Ibrahim U.F.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84880615991&doi=10.5829%2fidosi.mejsr.2013.14.6.2185&partnerID=40&md5=a470d9c054cb8178d9a482d7e58b3ee2

Radio astronomy uses the radio spectrum to identify weak emissions from outer space sources and the others signal so-called Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). It is a very important issue to address in order to setup a radio astronomical facility. Different altitude of observation for example will effect on RFI level or noise environment to radio astronomy. In this paper, we report the initial testing of the usage of this system in order to classify the areas with the lowest RFI. The important parameter used to develop the database for our modeling is information on elevation or altitude. Three selected sites were Doi Inthanon National Park (Chiang Mai site), Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchatani (Ubon site) and University of Malaya (UM site). University of Malaya site was use as a reference site. The RFI surveys are done to study Hydrogen lines (1400-1427MHz). The spectra RFI in these windows was carefully measured and monitored. In this paper, we report the initial testing of the usage of this system in order to classify the areas with the lowest RFI. The measured averaged RFI floor noise levels for Ubon, Chiang Mai and UM sites are -97.4291 (±2.17) dBm, -96.6217 (±4.05) dBm, - 97.0157 (±2.66) dBm for the narrow band (1300-1500MHz) and -97.5295 (±4.54) dBm, -93.5205 (±6.87) dBm, - 97.9551(±5.03) for wide band (1MHz-2800MHz). Our target is to locate the best location for the purpose of building a radio astronomical dish system in Thailand. In this paper, we will also discuss the possibilities of the planned science goals that can be done with the future radio telescope facility in Thailand. © IDOSI Publications, 2013.