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Karl Jansky

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description Karl Jansky Overview

Karl Jansky was an American engineer and astronomer whose work fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. In 1932, he detected naturally occurring radio waves emanating from space, originating beyond our solar system. This discovery established radio astronomy as a distinct field. Jansky’s research paved the way for subsequent investigations into cosmic radio sources and continues to be foundational knowledge for astronomers and researchers studying celestial objects through radio waves.

help Karl Jansky FAQ

What did Karl Jansky discover in 1932?

In 1932, Karl Jansky discovered radio waves emanating from the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Working as a radio engineer for Bell Laboratories, he was investigating sources of static interference in transatlantic radio transmissions when he made the finding.

What is Karl Jansky's contribution to astronomy?

Karl Jansky's accidental discovery of cosmic radio waves effectively founded the entirely new scientific field of radio astronomy. Prior to his work, astronomers could only study the universe through the visible light spectrum.

Is the unit of measurement "jansky" named after Karl Jansky?

Yes, the "jansky" (abbreviated as Jy) is the standard unit of spectral flux density used in radio astronomy, named in his honor. One jansky is equal to 10 to the negative 26th power watts per square meter per hertz.

What was the name of the antenna Karl Jansky used for his discovery?

Karl Jansky constructed a large, highly directional antenna system designed to detect radio waves at a frequency of 20.5 megahertz. Nicknamed "Jansky's merry-go-round" because it rotated on a track, it took him months to isolate the cosmic signal.