Radio Astronomy for Programmers

Explore the fascinating world of radio astronomy from a programmer's perspective in this 45-minute conference talk. Dive into key data formats, units, and terminology used in near-Earth observation, with a focus on space debris mitigation. Learn about the historical context of space observation and its impact on current software practices. Discover the challenges of conflicting measurement standards, open-source paradigms, and legacy code bases. Gain insights into Australia's radio telescopy capabilities and publicly available resources. Acquire practical skills to tackle space science problems using Python or your preferred programming language, including satellite tracking, telescope imagery interpretation, and space surveillance system evaluation. No advanced mathematics required – expect engaging explanations with drawings and animated gestures to demystify this interdisciplinary field.

Intro
Radio Astronomy for Programmers
Hardware
Optical Astronomy
The "Radio Window"
International Geophysical Year 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958
Explorer + Project Vanguard
Operation: Project Moonwatch
Sputnik Trackers
Radar? Astronomy
Monostatic versus Bi-static or Multi-static
Mechanics
RIGHT ASCENSION
INCLINATION
ARGUMENT OF PERIGEE
MEAN ANOMALY
GROUND LEVEL
PERTURBATIONS
Formats
Types of detection data
Ephemeris Files
CCSDS Orbit Data Messages
FITS (Flexible Image Transport System)
RPFITS (Australian FITS?)
Track a Satellite from Home
Choose your favourite object from the SATCAT
Compare Space Surveillance Systems
Interpret Telescope "Images"
Interpret FITS files
Make your own FITS files?