Radio pioneers: the enduring role of ‘amateurs’ in radio astronomy

<p>In the latest <em>Physics World Stories</em> podcast, astrophysicist <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/expertiseguide/physics-and-astronomy/dr-emma-chapman.aspx">Emma Chapman</a> is in conversation with host Andrew Glester about the history of radio astronomy. It’s a field that has always maintained a do-it-yourself ethic, with valuable contributions from people outside the established academic community.</p> <p>Chapman, an astrophysicist at the University of Nottingham in the UK is the author of the popular-science book <em>First Light: Switching on Stars at the Dawn of Time. </em>Alongside her research, Chapman regularly visits amateur radio astronomy clubs and admires the technical expertise she encounters among members.</p> <h3>Cold War boom</h3> <p>Using much of the same technology as radar, radio astronomy evolved rapidly in the post-war period and took on strategic importance during the Space Race. Indeed, the Lovell Telescope at the <a href="https://www.jodrellbank...