Cosmic background radiation at 408 Mc/s

Abstract

Continuum cosmic radio emission can be completely described by three observable parameters, (1) the brightness distribution, (2) spectrum, and (3) polarization of the radiation. The purpose of the present investigation is to discuss the "background" component of the observed radio emission, its brightness distribution, absolute brightness temperature, and origins. For the purpose of this thesis, the background radiation is defined as the nearly isotropic component of the emission on which are superimposed strong discrete radio sources, radiation from the disk, or plane, of our own Galaxy, and contributions from within our own solar system. Show more