29:106/186 RADIO ASTRONOMY
Third Homework Set...February 9, 2000
Due: February 16, 2000
(1) Show that the superposition of a left hand circularly polarized (LCP)
radio wave and a right hand circularly polarized (RCP) radio wave can produce
a linearly polarized wave. What are the conditions on the RCP and LCP
properties for this to happen?
(2) In an (x,y) coordinate system you measure 
(in some sort of units)
and 
. Describe, qualitatively and
quantitatively, the polarization state of the wave.
(3) Estimate the amount of Faraday rotation due the Earth's ionosphere at a frequency of
1000 MHz. Compare it with that due to the interstellar medium.
(4) If
prove that
(5) A plot of a Neat Function will be made available to you. Calculate the coefficients
and plot them up. Reconstitute the time series using successively
10,20,and 30 Fourier components. Say something intelligent.