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Wireless Gadgets Interfering With Pulsar Research

by Chad Mumm on January 6, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Sitting in 13,000 square miles of blissful radio silence is the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) -- or at least that was the idea when Congress created the radio-free quiet zone 50 years ago. In order for scientists to study the faint signals of neutron stars and pulsars, the facility needs zero interference from Earth-based sources, a feat that has become more difficult in our modern wireless world. Power locks on cars, signals from passing airplanes, wireless modems, and more can throw off years of research data. The NRAO even tracked a source of interference to a broken wire in a doghouse heating pad ten miles away from the observatory.

Pulsars are highly magnetized and rotating neutron stars that were first discovered in 1967, and one of their discoverers, Antony Hewish, was the first astronomer to win the Nobel Prize in physics. Pulsar research, while still in its infancy, has led to some groundbreaking discoveries including the first detection of an extrasolar planetary system and the confirmation of gravitational radiation as predicted by general relativity.

The NRAO has the authority to shut down wireless modems and speakers and cordless phones, which has led to some discontent with its neighbors. We like to think that the interests of science can sometimes supersede the interest of the public, but we here at Switched certainly appreciate our wireless devices. Still, in the interest of pulsars, we might find ourselves hunting again for a wall jack. [From: USA Today]

Tags: interference, research, science, space

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