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2 Radiation Fundamentals‣ Essential Radio Astronomy

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Astronomers study an astronomical source by measuring the strength of its radiation as a function of direction on the sky (by mapping or imaging) and frequency (spectroscopy), plus other quantities (time, polarization) to be considered later. Clear and quantitative definitions are needed to describe the strength of radiation and how it varies with direction, frequency, and distance between the source and the observer. The concepts of brightness and flux density are deceptively simple, but they regularly trip up even experienced astronomers. It is very important to understand them clearly because they are so fundamental.

2 Radiation Fundamentals‣ Essential Radio Astronomy Chapter 2 Radiation Fundamentals 2.1 Brightness and Flux Density Astronomers study an astronomical source by measuring the strength of its radiation as a function of direction on the sky (by mapping or imaging) and frequency (spectroscopy), plus other quantities (time, polarization) to be considered later. Clear and quantitative definitions are needed to describe the strength of radiation and how it varies with direction, frequency, and distance between the source and the observer. The concepts of brightness and flux density are deceptively s

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