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Introduction to Low Frequency Radio Astronomy

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Low Frequency Radio Astronomy and the LOFAR Observatory

Part of the book series: Astrophysics and Space Science Library ((ASSL,volume 426))

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Abstract

Radio astronomy began at low (ν ≪ 300 MHz) frequencies, but until recently has traditionally been dominated by higher frequency work. With the advent of a new generation of low frequency interferometers and the anticipation of the low-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the field is experiencing a rebirth. This introductory chapter summarizes some of the key historical developments of low frequency radio astronomy, outlining the science cases that are currently driving the rebirth of the field, and providing an overview of the required instruments and techniques. The role of LOFAR as a key observational facility in the current era of low frequency radio astronomy is highlighted throughout the chapter.

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Acknowledgements

I am indebted to several colleagues who have provided their own collected lecture material that I have used as background. Among those I would particularly like to thank Michael Garrett, Jason Hessels, and Ger de Bruyn.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ASTRON, Dwingeloo, The Netherlands

    George Heald

  2. CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Kensington, WA, Australia

    George Heald

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  1. George Heald
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Correspondence to George Heald .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Kensington, WA, Australia

    George Heald

  2. Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    John McKean

  3. ASTRON, Dwingeloo, The Netherlands

    Roberto Pizzo

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Heald, G. (2018). Introduction to Low Frequency Radio Astronomy. In: Heald, G., McKean, J., Pizzo, R. (eds) Low Frequency Radio Astronomy and the LOFAR Observatory. Astrophysics and Space Science Library, vol 426. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23434-2_1

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