Genesis of Radio Astronomy at BYU

We are beginning a new program in state-of-the-art radio astronomy at BYU. Our first effort consists of a 4-meter radio antenna designed to image hydrogen spin-flip and maser lines within our galaxy where frequencies of interest include 1.4GHz -- 1.6GHz. We employ a unique spectrometer/correllator that may be used both independently as well as in conjunction with a 5-antenna array for imaging. Our correlator/spectrometer is based upon CASPER hardware/firmware, as used at leading edge radio astronomy sites at JPL, Harvard, Deep Space Network, et al. This instrument system, to be followed by others, establishes a foundation for physics and astronomy research and teaching using state-of-the-art methods.