EXPLAINER: How do radio telescopes work?

Astronomers have different ways of watching the universe, including optical telescopes like Hubble and radio telescopes like the SKA.

But how do radio telescopes actually work? This animation shows you how both dish and dipole antennae receive radio waves to observe distant galaxies in the Universe, and what astronomers do with that data.

Video length: 1:45 mins

This video was brought to you by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.

Topics:

Earth and Space Sciences – The Solar System

Physical Sciences – Energy

Additional: Careers, Technology, Engineering

Concepts (South Australia):

Earth and Space Sciences – Earth in Space

Physical Sciences – Energy

Explainer: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

A short history of light

Explainer: Is light a wave or a particle?

Years:

5, 7 & 9-10

Learning Connections

Student Skill Summary

Australian Curriculum Connections - Version 8.4

Sub Strand	Content Descriptor
Earth and Space Sciences	Earth and Space Sciences is concerned with Earth’s dynamic structure and its place in the cosmos. Students view Earth as part of a larger celestial system. They explore how changes on Earth such as day and night and the seasons relate to Earth’s rotation and its orbit around the sun. Students investigate the processes that result in change to Earth’s surface, recognising that Earth has evolved over 4.5 billion years and that the effect of some of these processes is only evident when viewed over extremely long timescales. They explore the interactions and interdependencies of the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere and appreciate the influence of human activity on the Earth system.
Engineering	Engineering uniquely uses and connects our knowledge of science, mathematics, and technology to understand, design and apply solutions to human problems. It provides us with a way of understanding the human made world, how it was created, how it functions, and how it might be explored and enhanced. Engineering does not seek a unique, or even a correct solution, rather it aims for an optimum design and outcome after a range of factors are considered.
Physical Sciences	Physical Sciences is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy. Students gain an understanding of how an object’s motion is influenced by a range of forces such as frictional, magnetic, gravitational and electrostatic forces. They develop an understanding of the concept of energy and how energy transfer is associated with phenomena involving motion, heat, sound, light and electricity. They appreciate that concepts of force, motion, matter and energy apply to systems ranging in scale from atoms to the universe itself.
STEM Endeavours & Innovations	Through STEM, humans seek to improve their understanding and explanations of the world around them. STEM involves the construction of explanations based on evidence, and specialist knowledge can be changed as new evidence becomes available. STEM knowledge and understanding influences society by posing and responding to social and ethical questions, and STEM research is influenced by the needs and priorities of society. STEM endeavours and innovations showcase ‘STEM in Action’; highlighting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as unique and interlinked ways of knowing and doing, with roles across contemporary decision-making and problem-solving.

Sub Strand	Year Level	Key Idea	Concept - AC	Concept - SA	Content Topic	Content Code	Content Descriptor
Earth and Space Sciences	10	Scale and measurement \| Systems	Earth and the Universe	Earth in Space	The Universe: Features and Origins	ACSSU188	The universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems, and the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin of the universe
Earth and Space Sciences						ACSSU115	Predictable phenomena on Earth, including seasons and eclipses, are caused by the relative positions of the sun, Earth and the moon
Physical Sciences	9	Matter and energy \| Form and function	Forms and Transfers of Energy	Energy	Energy Movement and Waves	ACSSU182	Energy transfer through different mediums can be explained using wave and particle models

Sub Strand	Year Level	Content Topic	Content Code	Content Descriptor
Nature and Development of Science	7	Collaboration and Cultural Diversity Further Scientific Knowledge	ACSHE223	Science knowledge can develop through collaboration across the disciplines of science and the contributions of people from a range of cultures
	7	Scientific Knowledge Changes Our Understanding of the World	ACSHE119	Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available
	9	Refinement of Scientific Understanding, Models and Theories Evolves	ACSHE157	Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community
	9	Advancements in Scientific Understanding Rely on Technological Advancements	ACSHE158	Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries
	10	Refinement of Scientific Understanding, Models and Theories Evolves	ACSHE191	Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community
	10	Advancements in Scientific Understanding Rely on Technological Advancements	ACSHE192	Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries
Use and Influence of Science	7	Societal and Ethical Impacts of Scientific and Technological Solutions	ACSHE120	Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations
	7	Use of Science Understanding and Skills in Occupations	ACSHE121	People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity
	9	Societal Values and Needs can Influence Scientific Research	ACSHE228	Values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research
	9	Use of Scientific Knowledge Affects Lives and Generates Career Opportunities	ACSHE160	People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities
	10	Societal Values and Needs can Influence Scientific Research	ACSHE230	Values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research
	10	Use of Scientific Knowledge Affects Lives and Generates Career Opportunities	ACSHE194	People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities