Brian Coleman – UK Meteor Radio Beacon Project Lead
In addition to a fascination with astronomy Brian obtained his first amateur radio licence in 1967. Always interested in the technical challenges of designing and building radio equipment particularly for the higher frequency bands, VHF, UHF and Microwave this led to the challenge of Earth – Moon – Earth communications ( EME ) where the moon is used as a reflector to extend range beyond the horizon for frequencies not refracted or reflected by the ionosphere. After a career in the electronics industry the two interests, Radio and Astronomy inevitably came together. After completing the Introduction to Radio Astronomy course run by the University of Manchester Brian used his 3.7m EME antenna to study the radiation from Neutral Hydrogen in our Galaxy. The Hydrogen Line Observing Group was established giving its members the opportunity to make their own observations controlling Brian’s telescope remotely. Recently, with support from the RSGB and the BAA Brian has led a group of volunteers who are building a bi-static radar system to study meteors entering the earth’s atmosphere over the UK
The UK Meteor Radar Project has been established and run by a group of skilled volunteers from the amateur radio and radio astronomy fields. These volunteers bring the specialist skills required to design, build and run both the radio beacon and the receiver network.
The aim of the project is to provide an extensive and capable resource to the science and STEM communities to enable the study of meteors over the UK, although coverage further afield is possible but not currently covered by the receiver network.
This is an extensive project that has only been made possible by the generosity of both the dedicated design team and a number of external organisations. This resource is planned to be provided without charge to all those who wish to use it and hence the donation of time, funds and equipment has been essential to realise this ambition. We would like to thank those who have already supported us and would of course welcome any addition support.
Web site: https://ukmeteorbeacon.org/Home