Protection of radio astronomy
What is Radio Astronomy ?
You can see many stars shining in the sky when you look up at night. Some of you may have seen falling stars in the starry sky over remote locations. It makes you realize that there are countless stars shining in the Universe.
The Sun is the closest star. The surface temperatures of normal stars range from thousands to tens of thousands of degrees. It is difficult to imagine from their faint glow that the stars twinkling in the night sky are such hot, violent objects. That is because they are so much farther away than the Sun.
Astronomy is the study of the Universe. Do you think we can understand everything about the Universe just by observing the visible light detectable with the naked eye?
That is not the case. Radio astronomy is a method to explore other aspects of the Universe that are completely invisible in visible light.
The Universe Seen by Radio Waves
What can we observe through radio waves ?In the space between stars, there is a substance called the "interstellar medium," which is the material for making stars. The interstellar medium is composed of gas consisting of hydrogen as the main component and solid fine particles called "dust" with diameters of 1 micrometer (1/1000 mm) or less. Though it is nearly impossible to learn the details of the interstellar medium through visible light observations, it is possible through radio observations.
This image is the carbon monoxide molecular spectral intensity distribution (in 230 GHz) around Orion taken by the University of Tokyo’s 60-cm radio telescope. The color indicates the strength of the radio waves, red → yellow → light blue → blue → purple in order of decreasing strength.
In addition, we can learn more about the Sun, the most familiar celestial body, through radio wave observations of phenomena such as violent explosions on the surface and the release of material. This is important not only for understanding the Sun itself, but also for understanding phenomena closer to home, such as the environmental changes in the upper atmosphere of the Earth and the effects on communication operations.
This image shows the Sun in 17 GHz taken by the Nobeyama Radioheliograph.
Radio Wave Utilization
What makes radio astronomers unique among “radio wave users” ?
① Passive Only
Commercial or amateur radio wave use typically involves transmission and reception of radio waves. In contrast, radio astronomy observation only passively receives radio waves from natural phenomena and does not transmit.
② Observed Signals Contain Various Frequency Components and Have Independent Information in Each Frequency
In industry, so long as the transmitter and receiver radio wave frequencies are the same, the same exchange of signals and information can be conducted even if shifted to a different frequency.
But in radio astronomy the targets are natural phenomena so we can’t shift their radio signals for our convenience. In addition, astronomy signals include multiple frequency components, and each component carries different information.
For example, the frequencies of radio waves emitted by various molecules contained in interstellar gas have discrete values dictated by quantum mechanics (line spectrum), and each molecular species has a unique “fingerprint.”
The only way to learn the nature of a celestial body is to receive a large number of frequency components "as they are."
③ Receiving Weak Radio Waves
Radio waves from celestial bodies are extremely weak. Therefore, they will be disturbed and disappear if mixed with artificial radio waves from other radio users.
The devices used in radio astronomy, called radio telescopes, have ultra-sensitive receiving systems optimized for extremely weak signals. There is even the possibility that strong artificial radio waves could destroy the receiver completely if they enter the device directly.
Coexistence of Radio Astronomy and Other Endeavors
Based on these characteristics of radio astronomy, the following measures are generally taken in order to ensure healthy growth and peaceful coexistence with other users.
① Allocation of Frequency Bands for Radio Astronomy
Frequency bands particularly important for radio astronomy are designated to give priority to radio astronomy services in those bands.
Even within these frequency bands, if equal priority is given to other services,
astronomers in Japan can submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for special restrictions which apply only in the area around the radio telescope.
Once the application is accepted, it is obligatory to refrain from emitting artificial radio waves within the area.
② Operational Agreements and Geographical, Temporal, and Frequency Separation
The frequency bands allocated to radio astronomy by themselves are not sufficient for the advancement of radio astronomy research.
Observations in other frequency bands require coordination with other users.We will negotiate and request that they refrain from radiating artificial radio waves as much as possible,
in the places and times that the radio telescopes are in operation, or to use another frequency, or another method which does not involve wireless communication.
The parties will seek the best solution for their individual cases and may conclude an operational agreement when they agree.
The Spectrum Management Office, representing the interests of radio astronomy researchers, is engaged in various activities for coexistence under smooth negotiation with other users.
〉〉Process of Frequency Assignment in Japan
Sharing of Radio Frequencies
Activities to Protect Radio Frequencies
We conduct the following activities to protect the observation environment for radio astronomy.
Radio Frequency Sharing and Compatibility Studies
Radio astronomy observations are “passive” in that they "receive" extremely weak radio waves emitted by celestial bodies. Most other services using radio waves are “active” services that "emit" radio waves. Radio astronomy telescopes have extremely high sensitivity radio-receivers, so they are affected by radio waves emitted from active services (RFI: radio frequency interference).
Active and passive services often use the same frequency bands due to radio frequency resource limitations. In order to avoid radio frequency interference, we have to carefully consider whether multiple businesses can use radio waves in the same frequency band.
Consideration of sharing and compatibility for radio frequencies involves examining the level of radio frequency interference to other services expected, and also solutions to avoid or reduce the interference.
The Spectrum Management Office works to protect the environment for domestic radio astronomy observation through individual negotiations or discussions with active services at the meetings hosted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Individual Projects are explained in more detail below.
International Regulations
The improvement of international telecommunications and the rational use of frequency resources require the cooperation of each country. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, is responsible for maintaining cooperation among the 193 member states.
Spectrum Management Office staff attends the ITU meetings to consider international agreements on the use of radio waves and makes contributions to the protection of radio astronomy observations.
Latest Studies on Radio Frequency Sharing and Compatibility
(Last updated in April 2024)
- Sharing study on wireless LAN systems (Wi-Fi) in the 6 GHz band (Continued)
- Sharing Study on Widening the Bandwidth of Wireless LANs(Continued)
- Sharing study on introduction of digital transmission system to shortwave fixed stations (Continued)
- Sharing study on automotive radars operating in the frequency band 76 - 77 GHz (Continued)
- Sharing study on 5G mobile phone systems in 5th generation mobile communication (5G)(Continued)
- Compatibility study on in-vehicle UWB (Ultra Wide Band) radar systems(Continued)
- Sharing study on airport FOD (Foreign Object Debris) radar in 90 GHz band (Finalized January 2024)
- Sharing study on airborne mobile phones (Finalized October 2022)
- Compatibility study on WPT (Wireless Power Transfer) systems (Finalized May 2021)
- Compatibility study on wireless systems in 60 GHz band(Finalized December 2020)
- Sharing study on UWB wireless systems used outdoors in an expanded frequency band (Finalized October 2020)
- Sharing study in Ku / Ka band(Finalized October 2020)
- Impact of PLC (Power Line Communication) on astronomy shortwave observations(Finalized October 2020)
Sharing Study on Wireless LAN Systems (Wi-Fi) in 6 GHz Band
(Partially finalized March 2022)
(Finalized in March 2023)
In October 2023, frequency sharing study in the 6425 - 7125 MHz band has been restarted. In the U.S., the Automated Frequency Control (AFC) function has been introduced for SP-mode wireless LAN systems with high output power, which automatically adjusts the output power of wireless LAN devices based on the location information of existing stations, to prevent interference. The possibility of applying a similar function to Japan has been discussed. We believe that this function will contribute to the protection of radio astronomy observations in the 6.7 GHz band and continue to participate in the discussion.
(Continued)
Sharing Study on Widening the Bandwidth of Wireless LANs
(Continued)
Sharing Study on Introduction of Digital Transmission System to Shortwave Fixed Stations
(Continued)
Sharing Study on Automotive Radars Operating in the Frequency Band 76 - 77 GHz
(Continued)
Sharing Study on 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication) Mobile Phone Systems
We found that frequency sharing would be difficult because the minimum separation distance in the same frequency band needed to avoid interfering and being interfered with exceeds about 100 km. In adjacent frequency bands, for interference from mobile phones’ radio waves, interference will hardly occur if a guard band of about 10 MHz is provided.
Even in the case that public services’ radio waves cause interference to the mobile phones, sharing is possible by using various technologies to reduce interference. Regarding technical conditions, we will provide the conditions in 2330-2370 MHz next time.
In July, the result of the frequency sharing studies for Space Cellular in the Q / V band for the feeder link was presented, which demonstrates the need for a clear definition of sharing conditions such as the direction of the satellite's main beam and unnecessary radiation limits.
(Continued)
Compatibility Study on UWB (Ultra Wide Band) In-vehicle Radar Systems
(1) minimize the output power of in-vehicle radar,
(2)automatically suppress the output power when approaching the protected area, which is set at a radius of about 2.5 km around the Nobeyama 45-m Radio Telescope,
(3)set up signs near Nobeyama Radio Observatory to alert people to the protected area.
Actual measurement data of 76GHz radar measured at Nobeyama Radio Observatory
(Continued)
Sharing Study on 90 GHz Airport FOD Radar
(Finalized in October 2020)
In October 2023, a study group on FOD radar was established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The sharing study has conducted in 81 - 109.5 GHz and it was presented that a separation distance of 112 km should be secured when an airport FOD radar and a radio astronomy station are facing each other, and if a separation distance of 112 km cannot be secured, measures should be taken such as installing an FOD radar in the opposite direction to the radio astronomy station, and installing a shield so that the radiated power toward the radio astronomy station should be reduced to -89.7 dBm or less. It was also suggested that a function be provided to stop the emission of radio waves when the radar is pointed in an unintended direction. We hope that the radar to operate in the way that prevents interference to radio astronomy stations.
(Finalized in January 2024)
In February 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications called for public comments, and the Spectrum Management Office has submitted an opinion in March, that, if the radar is to be installed at an airport located within 112 km of a radio astronomy station, the operator of the radar should individually coordinate measures to avoid harmful interference with the operator of the radio astronomy station.
【 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Public Comments (Japanese Language) 】Sharing Study on Airborne Mobile Phones
(Partially finalized in December 2019)
1. exclude the use in the 1.5 GHz bands,which could interfere with radio astronomy observations.
2. limit the transmission power.
(Finalized in October 2022)
Compatibility Study on WPT (Wireless Power Transfer) Systems
The study findings report that we should establish a restricted area where the WPT systems cannot be installed. This draft report was submitted to the Information and Communications Council after approval by the Land Wireless Communication Committee, and a partial report was submitted in July 2020. However, a note was added that we should consider creating a coordination mechanism for avoiding or mitigating harmful interference to the existing wireless systems.
It is desirable to establish an organization that takes the initiative in operating and adjustment instead. In addition, the priority level under the Radio Law (primary service, secondary service or equivalent to RR4.4) is undecided and needs to be considered in the future.
Based on the feedback, a revised proposal was presented at the meeting in March 2021, ensuring the neutrality of the protocol and the protection of existing wireless systems. In addition, a contact point for reporting harmful interference will be added after consideration in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
(Finalized in May 2021)
(February 2022)
【Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Public Comments(Japanese Language)】(June 2022)
Compatibility Study on 60 GHz Band Radio Equipment
(Finalized in December 2020)
Sharing Study on UWB (Ultra Wide Band) Wireless Systems Used Outdoors in An Expanded Frequency Band
(Finalized in October 2020)
In August 2021, a revised ministerial ordinance regarding the expansion of the frequencies for the outdoor use of UWB wireless systems was announced,
and details of operational restrictions for outdoor use were posted on the Japanese version of “The Radio Use Website” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
【UWB wireless systems operational restrictions when used outdoors*(Japanese Language)】
On the website, a list of domestic facilities where UWB wireless systems may cause interference and the way to stop the emissions from the wireless devices equipped with UWB systems are posted,
calling attention to the requirement to refrain from using the devices near the radio astronomy facilities.
(September 2021)
List of devices equipped with UWB wireless systems (February 2024)
※ The above list includes the devices which can be used outdoors and are expected to cause radio interference to radio astronomy observation.
(February 2024)
Sharing Study in Ku / Ka Band
【English translation of NAOJ Statement on the Potential Impairment of Astronomical Observations by Satellite Mega-Constellations, March 13, 2020; original Japanese statement, July 9, 2019】
【Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Public Comments (Japanese Language)】
(Finalized in October 2020)
Impact of PLC (Power Line Communication) on Astronomy Shortwave Observations
【 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Public Comments (Japanese Language) 】
(Finalized in February 2020)
Names with * are unofficial translation.
primary service is a service granted the right to use a frequency or frequencies with priority over secondary services.