Comprehensive RFI measurement across four locations to evaluate ambient radio frequency interference and inform the selection of an optimal telescope site.

In this section, we present a systematic survey of radio frequency interference (RFI) across four strategic locations. The goal was to quantify and map RFI levels to guide the telescope site selection, specifically focusing on sites with minimal interference to optimize radio astronomical observations. The measurements targeted dominant frequencies influenced by external sources, such as Wi-Fi at approximately 1 GHz, GPS L2 signals, GLONASS signals, and cellular communication bands. We utilized a high-sensitivity, narrow-band antenna and low-noise amplifier system, tuned within a frequency range of 1420–1470 MHz, to detect and record local RFI patterns accurately. The data acquired was instrumental in identifying the optimal positioning due to favorable environmental conditions: minimal tree coverage, low inherent noise levels, and stable power availability. This comprehensive RFI mapping provided a critical baseline for understanding and mitigating localized interference, ultimately enhancing the telescope’s operational efficiency and observational fidelity.

Detailed analysis of noise sources impacting telescope data quality, focusing on key frequency bands and dominant RFI contributors within the campus environment.

The noise pattern analysis delves into the intricate profiles of RFI sources and their spectral characteristics, focusing on noise contributions across the telescope’s operational bandwidth. High-density RFI clusters were detected primarily within cellular and Wi-Fi bands, which exhibit significant power and frequency overlap with astronomical signals, complicating signal isolation. By dissecting the spectral energy distribution of these RFI sources, we pinpointed interference hotspots and characterized their modulation patterns. Our analysis applied a time-averaging algorithm to further refine the data, filtering transient noise and identifying persistent interference patterns that could compromise sensitive observations, particularly at L-band frequencies. This understanding is crucial for designing robust noise mitigation techniques, including band-pass filtering and temporal/spatial shielding methods, which can suppress extraneous signals while preserving cosmic signal integrity.