radio telescope

Instrument used to capture, concentrate and analyze radio waves emanating from a celestial body or a region of the celestial sphere.

steerable parabolic reflector

Type of adjustable radio telescope in the shape of a saucer; its power depends on its diameter.

second focal room

Secondary focus of the radio telescope that houses the radio receiver; used more often than the first focal room.

parabolic reflector

A surface often composed of fine wire-mesh that collects radio waves and causes them to converge on a single point.

first focal room

Observation capsule used on occasion; located in the prime focus of the radio telescope.

secondary reflector

Receives waves reflected by the parabolic reflector and directs them toward the receiver.

laboratory

Area where astronomers analyze the digital signal to obtain information.

rotating track

Rail making it possible to turn the radio telescope vertically so as to point it toward a given region of the sky.

support structure

Structural element on the rim that prevents the parabolic reflector from becoming deformed.

radio wave

Invisible electromagnetic waves emitted by celestial bodies and collected on Earth using a radio telescope.

circular track

Rail making it possible to turn the radio telescope horizontally so as to point it toward a given region of the sky.

elevator

counterweight

Weight equal to that of the parabolic reflector; makes it possible to balance the whole.

upper laboratory

Area where the electrical signal is filtered, digitized and transmitted to the laboratory.

receiver

Device that amplifies waves before they are converted into an electrical signal.