The measurement of highly directive antenna patterns and over-all sensitivity of a receiving system by solar and cosmic noise

Utilizing the more intense of the over 100 celestial sources of radio frequency energy and known data about the effective diameter of the sun at various ranges of radio frequencies, a technique for plotting the directional characteristics of large antennas is outlined. Over-all system sensitivities (receiver, antenna, and transmission line) are checked by using values already obtained for sky temperatures. The general receiver characteristics necessary for such measurements are outlined. Patterns of the sun and cosmic sources are illustrated and their analysis evaluated.