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Hydrogen Line Observations

A System for Observing Neutral Hydrogen Line Emissions


Introduction

The observation of neutral hydrogen (HI) line emissions is a medium level difficulty project for the amateur radio astronomer.

It could be argued that HI observations are second only to the detection of pulsars in terms of difficulty for the amateur radio astronomer with 'backyard level' systems.

Feasibility

There are quite a few examples of university groups or individuals making HI line observations - so, compared to pulsar observations, it would seem that HI line observation is an easier project to achieve success.

While the HI emissions are much stronger than pulsar emissions, the complexity of the data analysis software required for HI line observations is not vastly less complex than needed for pulsar observations.  Both areas of observation require use, and understanding, of techniques a few steps in terms of complexity above total power (TP) observation techniques.

Links to Examples of HI Line Observations

There are a number of individuals or university groups who have published details of their HI line observations. In no particular order, they are...

Current Efforts at NRARAO

This is less complex project than attempting to detect pulsars, but still requires breaking up into a number of stages - each stage laying the foundation for the next as more experience and knowledge is gained.

The stages are listed below in chronological order; therefore go to the bottom of the list for the current status of the project.