The statistics of radio frequency interference propagating from long distances to the Murchison radio-astronomy observatory

Abstract

BIGHORNS is a total power radiometer developed to identify the signal from the Epoch of Reionisation in the all-sky averaged radio spectrum at low frequencies (70-300 MHz). In October 2014, the system with a conical log spiral antenna was deployed at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) and has been collecting data since then. The system has been monitoring the radio frequency interference (RFI) environment at the future site of the low-frequency component of the Square Kilometer Array. We have analyzed almost two years of data (October 2014 - August 2016 inclusive) in search for events of long distance propagation of the RFI in FM and digital TV bands due to tropospheric ducting and reflections (of the meteor trails or aircraft). We present statistics of tropospheric ducting events observed in the digital TV band over nearly two years, which shows seasonal changes. We also present a system using upper atmosphere data (temperature, humidity and pressure as a function of altitude) from all stations in Western Australia to calculate the modified refractive index and make predictions of tropospheric ducting events. Preliminary tests indicate that the system can be very useful in predicting tropospheric ducting events (even with limited amount of available upper atmosphere data).