Proof of Concept: Lunar Occultations as an RFI Rejector.

Aidan Groenendaal

Radio frequency interference (RFI) remains a persistent challenge in radio astronomy, critically limiting the detection of weak radio emissions essential for initiatives such as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). This study investigates a novel RFI mitigation strategy that exploits the Moon’s periodic occultations as a natural radio-filtering mechanism. By leveraging the Moon's edge to obscure celestial targets, we propose a method to isolate astrophysical signals from terrestrial and satellite-based interference. We present radio observations of the quasar WISEA J081710.54+2335224.1 during a lunar occultation event, revealing a time-dependent diffraction pattern in the signal profile. With a visible diffraction pattern in our data, we can extend this method to conduct a SETI search around the Moon's orbital plane.

Major: 
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Exhibition Category: 
Physical Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Jason Wright
Poster Number: 
193