Measurement of atmosopheric noise emmision during heavy rain events using a C-band radiometer

This paper presents details for a 6.8 GHz microwave radiometer measurement system used for measuring atmospheric microwave noise emission during heavy rain. This radiometer system and the ancillary rain rate and rain drop size instruments comprise a new research facility at the University of Central Florida for determining the C-band rain absorption coefficient during high rain rate events associated with thunder storms and tropical cyclone rain. These results will improve theoretical calculations for atmospheric propagation loss prediction during heavy rain events. Results of the system radiometric calibration and typical radiometer measurements during rain events are presented.