J. G. Bolton

Positions of Three Discrete Sources of Galactic Radio-Frequency Radiation

In a recent communication1 an account was given of the discovery of a number of discrete sources of galactic radio-frequency radiation. Accurate measurements of the position of three of these sources have since been made from sites on the east and west coasts of New Zealand and on the east coast of Australia. The technique employed was to observe the sources at rising or setting, with an aerial on a high cliff overlooking the sea. These observations, when corrected for atmospheric refraction, allow the path of a source above the horizon to be plotted, and the time of its rising and setting and hence its celestial co-ordinates to be determined.

‘History of Australian Astronomy’:Radio Astronomy at Dover Heights

In this contribution, which is an expanded version of an invited lecture at the 1982 A.G.M. at Noosa Heads, the author recalls some of the early work in radio astronomy from Dover Heights.

SOME IDENTIFICATIONS FOR WEAK SOURCES IN THE PARKES CATALOGUE FOR DECLINATIONS + 20

Accurate positions and flux densities at 2700 MHz have been measured for 156 weak sources in the Parkes catalogue for declinations 0° to +20° and 0° to -20°. Identifications are suggested for 22 of the sources, 6 with galaxies and 16 with possible quasi. stellar objects.

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A knowledge of the surface density of quasars as a function of magnitude is important for two reasons. Firstly it is necessary in order to assess the possible statistical significance of close pairs of quasars or the association between quasars and bright galaxies. Secondly it is a necessary step in the determination of the space density or luminosity function of QSOs. We have carried out what we believe to be currently the most comprehensive investigation into the surface density of quasars. Three techniques have been used in this investigation. These are - (1) A search for ultra-violet excess stellar objects and their subsequent classification. (2) A search for emission-line stellar objects on objective prism plates. (3) Identification of radio sources from deep radio surveys.