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

These agencies are seeking meaningful scientific objectives for future moon projects, and this new research underscores the potential of lunar-based radio astronomy to probe the early Universe.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2025

Research published in 2023 showed that emissions measured from dozens of satellites on the Starlink constellation exceeded their intended and allowed thresholds, interfering with the frequencies allocated to radio astronomy.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2025

Free from exposure to Earth and other interference, the moon’s somewhat mysterious far side is ideal for radio astronomy and other scientific work.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2024

Normal radio astronomy is passive, and China has the world’s largest dish of this type, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 22, 2023

That Jupiter is a source of radio emission was discovered accidentally in the 1950’s, the early days of radio astronomy.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan