METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING SOLAR ACTIVITY AND ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION EFFECTS

摘要

This disclosure describes a radiometric measuring system for observing solar activity, atmospheric attenuation and atmospheric emission. Two highly directional microwave antennas are mounted side-by-side on an equatorial mount which tracks the sun. One antenna is aimed directly at the sun to provide a sun temperature and the other antenna is aimed at a slight angle to the sun antenna to provide a sky temperature reference. Signals from the two antennas are compared in a radiometric detecting system and provide information concerning solar activity and atmospheric attenuation and emission.