Measurements of the intrinsic anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation on scales of 7 minutes and 24 minutes of arc will be made using the Owens Valley Radio Observatory 40 meter and 5.5 meter telescopes at a frequency of 20 and 32 GHZ. A sensitivity level of Trms/T = 5x10-6 will be achieved on the 40 meter telescope and 2.5x10-6 on the 5.5 meter telescope. At this level existing theoretical predictions based on detailed calculations are within reach. In addition to these observations of the intrinsic anisotropy, observations will be made of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect caused by the interaction of the cosmic microwave background radiation with the hot gas in galaxies.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Application #
8815131
Program Officer
Millissa J. Evans
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1989-01-01
Budget End
1991-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
$1,039,836
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125