radar astronomy

noun

1. the branch of astronomy that uses radar to map the surfaces of planetary bodies, as the moon and Venus, and to determine periods of rotation.

radar astronomy

noun

1. the use of radar to map the surfaces of the planets, their satellites, and other bodies

radar astronomy

1. The scientific study of nearby astronomical objects by reflecting microwaves off the objects and analyzing the echoes. The techniques of radio astronomy can be tailored to answer specific questions, such as the rotation period of the inner planets and the Moon. They have has also been used to test General Relativity, measure distances and features of planets in the solar system, and determine the composition, position, and spin of asteroids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radar astronomy¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

China is constructing the world’s largest radar astronomy array, which will help track asteroids that could threaten Earth.

From Science Magazine

After the catastrophic collapse of Puerto Rico’s famed Arecibo Observatory, only one other active radar astronomy facility remains: NASA’s Goldstone Solar System Radar, part of the Deep Space Network, which communicates with spacecraft across the solar system.

From Scientific American

Some of our most powerful sources are radar transmitters; a few are used for radar astronomy, to probe with radio fingers the surfaces of the nearby planets.

From Literature

In radar astronomy, radio waves are transmitted by a telescope on Earth, strike, say, that hemisphere of Venus that happens to be facing the Earth, and bounce back.

From Literature

He argues that radar astronomy, which is used to probe things like asteroids and the surface of Venus, already gives off signals that could be picked up by aliens.

From Economist