Radar

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Radar is an object detection system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range, altitude, direction, or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as aircraft, ships, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The term RADAR was coined in 1941 as an acronym for radio detection and ranging. The term has since entered the English language as a standard word, radar, losing the capitalization. Radar was originally called RDF (Radio Direction Finder, now used as a totally different device) in the United Kingdom.

A radar system has a transmitter that emits microwaves or radio waves. These waves are in phase when emitted, and when they come into contact with an object are scattered in all directions. The signal is thus partly reflected back and it has a slight change of wavelength (and thus frequency) if the target is moving. The receiver is usually, but not always, in the same location as the transmitter. Although the signal returned is usually very weak, the signal can be amplified through use of electronic techniques in the receiver and in the antenna configuration. This enables radar to detect objects at ranges where other emissions, such as sound or visible light, would be too weak to detect. Radar is used in meteorological detection of precipitation, measuring ocean surface waves, air traffic control, police detection of speeding traffic, and by the military.

For more information about Radar, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with radar


Next generation lens promises more control

Next generation lens promises more control

Physics / Condensed Matter

created Dec 20, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (22) | comments 1

(PhysOrg.com) -- Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that could greatly improve the capabilities of telecommunications or radar systems to provide a wide field of view and greater ...


Smarter cars are gaining traction

Smarter cars are gaining traction (w/ Video)

Technology / Engineering

created Dec 21, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Lives can depend on a vehicle's moment-by-moment traction. New European technology promises to make cars as good as experienced, alert drivers at sensing and adjusting to wet, snowy or icy ...





Search results for radar


NORAD is tracking Santa Claus's progress

Follow Santa Claus, courtesy Google and NORAD

Technology / Internet

created Dec 24, 2009 | popularity 2.7 / 5 (7) | comments 1

Santa Claus is coming to your town -- and NORAD is tracking him as he drops off presents around the world. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, which monitors the North American airspace, on Thursday ...


Researcher finds success with new anti-cancer drug

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0

A study conducted at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, found that a new drug stopped the growth of breast tumors in mice. This drug is unique in that it works both by stopping the cancer cells from growing and metastasizing ...


How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Members of a Syracuse University research team have shown that an obscure phenomenon called stochastic resonance (SR) can improve the clarity of signals in systems such as radar, sonar and even radiography, used in medical ...


Immersive Game System Allows Physical Interaction Between Players

Immersive Game System Allows Physical Interaction Between Players

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (20) | comments 8 feature

(PhysOrg.com) -- With a new immersive multiplayer game system, researchers are further blurring the line between gaming and the real world. Using a mouse and keyboard sounds kind of quaint compared to the ...


Caisson 3D Modeling Command Center

National Robotics Engineering Center Demonstrates the Future of Smart Work

Technology / Engineering

created Dec 21, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 weblog

The National Robotics Engineering Center, (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University is at the forefront of partnering man with technology to improve safety and costs. Among the completed projects are, the Caisson ...



List of search results for radar