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The MRO has been in existence for about ten years, one of the newest such observatories in the world, but the 3,450km² Boolardy pastoral station on which it stands was established back in the 1850s.Ī goanna (or bangara in Wajarri Yamatji language) strolls past some of the antennas. This is where the atmosphere effectively “guides” the radio waves much further than they would normally travel, due to changes in the atmospheric layers. We’ve also had several recorded occasions (usually during summer) when radio signals from as far away as Perth have been detected, due to atmospheric ducting.
#Radio silence zone software
The site also receives signals from aircraft safety beacons on commercial flights over the region.Īstronomers have developed software to remove this RFI from data as it usually overwhelms any astronomical signals. Unfortunately, as with all Earth-based locations, the telescopes receive RFI from orbiting satellites, which fall under international jurisdiction. CSIRO, Author provided You can’t stop everything The MRO control building has a double RFI door to enter through – think airlock-style in any sci-fi movie.Īerial view of the MRO power station, which has an array of 5,280 solar panels and battery with RFI shielding.
#Radio silence zone Bluetooth
Mobile phones need to be turned off at all times (which is fine, because it’s too far from any mobile towers to work anyway).īluetooth devices (wireless mice or fitness trackers) should be switched off or left behind, laptops should have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched off. When staff go out to the site for the first time they get training about RFI, health and safety and indigenous culture. Other groups intending to use transmitting equipment must seek permission first and follow any guidelines given. With the help of the Commonwealth and Western Australia governments, significant regulatory protection has been established to protect the site.įor example, the Australian Radio Quiet Zone Western Australia ( ARQZWA), established by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, created a fixed zone around the MRO site to protect the telescopes from interference. The location of the MRO on Boolardy Station in WA.