Water hole (radio) (nonfiction): Difference between revisions
(Created page with "The '''waterhole''', or '''water hole''', is an especially quiet band of the electromagnetic spectrum between 1,420 and 1,666 megahertz, corresponding to wavelengths of 21 and...") |
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The strongest hydroxyl radical spectral line radiates at 18 centimeters, and hydrogen at 21 centimeters. These two molecules, which combined form water, are widespread in interstellar gas, and their presence absorbs radio noise at these frequencies. Therefore, the spectrum between these frequencies form a "quiet" channel in the interstellar radio noise background. | The strongest hydroxyl radical spectral line radiates at 18 centimeters, and hydrogen at 21 centimeters. These two molecules, which combined form water, are widespread in interstellar gas, and their presence absorbs radio noise at these frequencies. Therefore, the spectrum between these frequencies form a "quiet" channel in the interstellar radio noise background. | ||
The term was coined by [[Bernard M. Oliver (nonfiction)|Bernard Oliver]] in 1971. Oliver theorized that the waterhole would be an obvious band for communication with extraterrestrial intelligence, hence the name, which is a form of pun: in English, a watering hole is a vernacular reference to a common place to meet and talk. | The term was coined by [[Bernard M. Oliver (nonfiction)|Bernard Oliver]] in 1971. Oliver theorized that the waterhole would be an obvious band for [[Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (nonfiction)|communication with extraterrestrial intelligence]], hence the name, which is a form of pun: in English, a watering hole is a vernacular reference to a common place to meet and talk. | ||
Several programs involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, including SETI@home, search in the waterhole radio frequencies. | Several programs involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, including SETI@home, search in the waterhole radio frequencies. | ||
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* [[Bernard M. Oliver (nonfiction)]] | * [[Bernard M. Oliver (nonfiction)]] | ||
* [[Radio source SHGb02+14a (nonfiction)]] | |||
* [[Wow! signal (nonfiction)]] | |||
* [[Schelling point (nonfiction)]] | |||
* [[Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (nonfiction)]] | |||
External links: | External links: | ||
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[[Category:Nonfiction (nonfiction)]] | [[Category:Nonfiction (nonfiction)]] | ||
[[Category:Astronomy (nonfiction)]] | [[Category:Astronomy (nonfiction)]] | ||
Revision as of 15:32, 25 November 2017
The waterhole, or water hole, is an especially quiet band of the electromagnetic spectrum between 1,420 and 1,666 megahertz, corresponding to wavelengths of 21 and 18 centimeters respectively. It is a popular observing frequency used by radio telescopes in radio astronomy.
The strongest hydroxyl radical spectral line radiates at 18 centimeters, and hydrogen at 21 centimeters. These two molecules, which combined form water, are widespread in interstellar gas, and their presence absorbs radio noise at these frequencies. Therefore, the spectrum between these frequencies form a "quiet" channel in the interstellar radio noise background.
The term was coined by Bernard Oliver in 1971. Oliver theorized that the waterhole would be an obvious band for communication with extraterrestrial intelligence, hence the name, which is a form of pun: in English, a watering hole is a vernacular reference to a common place to meet and talk.
Several programs involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, including SETI@home, search in the waterhole radio frequencies.
In the News
Fiction cross-reference
Nonfiction cross-reference
- Bernard M. Oliver (nonfiction)
- Radio source SHGb02+14a (nonfiction)
- Wow! signal (nonfiction)
- Schelling point (nonfiction)
- Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (nonfiction)
External links:
- Water hole (radio) @ Wikipedia
Attribution: