radio astronomy

American  

noun

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

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radio astronomy British  

noun

1. 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

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radio astronomy Scientific  

1. 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.

2. See also radio telescope

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Etymology

Origin of radio astronomy

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

radio astronomy

This global system maintains communications with spacecraft traveling throughout the solar system and beyond, while also supporting radar measurements and radio astronomy research.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

But another important role of Jodrell Bank Observatory is training UK astronomers in the science of radio astronomy.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

"Internationally, people will look at that and will hardly believe it. You're cutting off the radio astronomy capability in the country," Prof Kramer said.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

This strategy has been highly successful in radio astronomy because radio waves have long wavelengths, making it feasible to precisely synchronize signals collected by widely spaced sensors.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 10, 2026

The surface temperatures on Venus, as deduced from radio astronomy and confirmed by direct spacecraft measurements, are around 480°C or 900°F, hotter than the hottest household oven.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan