radio astronomy
noun
the branch of astronomy that utilizes extraterrestrial radiation in radio wavelengths rather than visible light for the study of the universe.
Origin of radio astronomy
First recorded in 1945–50
Words nearby radio astronomy
radiectomy,
radiguet,
radii,
radin,
radio,
radio astronomy,
radio beacon,
radio beam,
radio car,
radio collar,
radio compass
British Dictionary definitions for radio astronomy
radio astronomy
noun
a branch of astronomy in which a radio telescope is used to detect and analyse radio signals received on earth from radio sources in space
Scientific definitions for radio astronomy
radio astronomy
The study of celestial objects by measurement of the radio waves they emit. Radio astronomy has enabled the detection and study of objects such as pulsars, quasars, radio galaxies, and other objects, some of which emit considerably less radiation at other wavelengths. Radio astronomy has contributed to the discovery of cosmic background radiation and has enhanced the understanding of solar activity and the structure of galaxies. See also radio telescope.