radio astronomy

noun

the branch of astronomy that utilizes extraterrestrial radiation in radio wavelengths rather than visible light for the study of the universe.

Origin of radio astronomy

First recorded in 1945–50

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British Dictionary definitions for radio astronomy

radio astronomy

noun

a branch of astronomy in which a radio telescope is used to detect and analyse radio signals received on earth from radio sources in space

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

radio astronomy in Science

radio astronomy

The study of celestial objects by measurement of the radio waves they emit. Radio astronomy has enabled the detection and study of objects such as pulsars, quasars, radio galaxies, and other objects, some of which emit considerably less radiation at other wavelengths. Radio astronomy has contributed to the discovery of cosmic background radiation and has enhanced the understanding of solar activity and the structure of galaxies. See also radio telescope.