SFU’s IDEA Center: The Radio Jove radio telescope connects SFU to outer space

Figure 1. Savannah Doran (SFU, Math) shares a spectrograph from the Radio Jove telescope with teammates Jack Julin (Cyber Security) and Jacob Jolly (Environmental Engineering), alongside Dr. Art Remillard, Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya, Dr. Jeff Mendenhall, and Dr. Rachel Wagner. Dr. Tim Miller directs SFU's Radio Jove efforts.

A Telescope Hidden in Plain Sight

What appears to be simply a large wire square is so much more. Connecting SFU faculty and students to signals from space, the wires form a radio antenna that functions as a telescope. This system allows the observation of low-frequency, longwave radio signals naturally emitted by the Sun, Jupiter, and other celestial objects.

The antenna sends signals to a receiver, which converts them into software that generates a spectrograph. The SFU team, along with dozens of others across the country participating in NASA's Radio Jove project, uses this data to visualize activity from outer space, including solar flares.

From Data to Discovery

Through this technology, students gain hands-on experience interpreting real astronomical data. The spectrograph becomes a window into space, helping learners understand patterns, signals, and cosmic events in a meaningful, applied way.

Expanding Opportunities Beyond Campus

In addition to supporting participation by SFU students, Dr. Tim Miller (SFU Engineering) is extending the Radio Jove opportunity to six regional high schools, supported by funding from the Palumbo Charitable Trust. Each school collaborates with Dr. Miller to explore relevant science and engineering concepts while constructing its own radio telescope to join the national Radio Jove network.

Figure 2. Dr. Miller works with students at PA Cyber, teaching them how to interpret Radio Jove telescope spectrograph data.

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

"I'm excited to collaborate with students on this initiative," said Dr. Miller. "This project allows high schoolers to do more than just learn about space science-they become active participants in real research and engineering, sparking interest and confidence in future STEM careers." "This project gives PA Cyber students opportunities to excel academically, professionally, and personally through real space investigations," said Jolene Frazell. "It aligns with the PA Cyber Polytechnic Department's mission to inspire lifelong exploration and discovery."

Learning by Doing

Students not only analyze data but also build their own tools. From constructing telescopes to interpreting spectrograph outputs, participants engage in a full-cycle STEM experience that blends theory with practice.

Figure 3. PA Cyber students collaborate to construct their Radio Jove telescope.

Continuing the Exploration at The IDEA Center at Saint Francis University

To learn more about SFU's Radio Jove project, contact .

Founded in 2024 with funding from the National Science Foundation's Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships directorate, The Innovation Development Ecosystem for the Alleghenies (the IDEA Center) at Saint Francis University is eager to support more projects like this one. Interested in partnering with us? Contact Dr. Tim Miller: [email protected] or Dr. Rachel Wagner: [email protected] to learn more and explore collaboration opportunities.