Abstract

A radio telescope, following the protocol of ​The Itty Bitty Telescope​ (Forster & Smith,

n.d.), was constructed to detect radio frequencies from satellites in outer space. Radio astronomy

inspired the creation of this radio telescope. The telescope was to be of a reasonable size and

have an adequate functionality. All materials were purchased and assembled. The telescope was

positioned towards the sky and received signals from unknown satellites. Thirteen tests were

performed and only data from four were successfully interpreted and analyzed using the

LabQuest 2 device. Each bar on the bar graph represents one test. The audio dial on the satellite

detector device determined the frequency level of the radio signals received. With the audio dial

turned to the maximum setting, the frequencies were higher than the frequencies recorded with

the dial turned to the medium setting. The average frequency level for the medium audio dial

setting was 116.675 hertz and the average frequency level for the maximum setting was 4564.59

hertz. The project partially achieved the design criteria, as it supposedly detected radio emissions

from satellites in space. The sounds of the emissions vary because the telescope was directed

towards different places in the sky at different times; therefore, signals from multiple satellites

were presumably detected. The tests could have been performed sooner to allow additional time

for more comprehensive observations. The use of an oscilloscope in the future could improve the

analysis of the signals received, offering a more advanced examination of the properties of the

waves. Radio telescopes provide astronomers with new ways to view the universe and they have

also discovered celestial bodies outside of our solar system. Radio astronomical discoveries help

us further our journey one step closer to understanding the universe we live in.