LoFASM: A Low Frequency All Sky Monitor for Radio Transients and Student Training
Abstract
The Low-Frequency All-Sky Monitor (LoFASM) is an innovative new radio astronomy observatory. Designed and built by faculty and by graduate, undergraduate, and high-school students, it is the first instrument specifically designed for the detection of low-frequency (10 to 88 MHz) astrophysical radio transients. It consists of four geographically-separated stations, each comprising 12 phased array dipole antennas. All four stations have now started taking data. The observatory has also been a vital recruiting and training tool for physics students from the South Texas region. LoFASM was instrumental in establishing the Spacecraft Tracking and Astronomical Research into Gigahertz Astrophysical Transient Emission (STARGATE) project, a public-private partnership between UTB's Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy and SpaceX, focused on RF technology innovation and commercialization. Where this DoD grant funded the deployment and commissioning of LoFASM, an NSF grant has recently been secured to fund its ongoing scientific operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 02, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA626417
Entities
People
- Fredrick Jenet
- Richard Price
- Teviet Creighton
Organizations
- University of Texas at Brownsville