A Radio Frequency Interference Survey of Central Ohio

Abstract

A long-term radio frequency interference monitoring program is now in progress at the Ohio State University Radio Observatory. Current observations encompass the 1-2 GHz band, measuring the signal strength in each 150 KHz subband. Preliminary results show many strong and persistent signals, and wide bands in which no signals are detected. Daily and weekly variations appear to be correlated with periods of maximum human activity such as “rush hours”. It may be that aircraft reflections are causing many of the signals to be received, and that airline schedules correlate with “rush hours”. The program is being upgraded to automatically measure the direction of arrival of each signal, as an aid to further identify it. This directional information will also be used in designing rolled edges and side shields for the co-located OSU Radio Telescope, to further reduce its vulnerability to RFI.