Interpretation of cosmological information on radio sourcesThe question of whether any cosmological information can be obtained from radio astronomy is considered. Specific attention is given to the discovery and cosmological interpretation of the microwave background radiation, attempts to derive a Hubble relation for the optical objects identified with radio sources, searches for relations between the angular diameters of radio sources and the redshifts of their optically identified counterparts as well as between angular diameter and radio flux, construction of log N - log S curves, and luminosity volume tests. A brief outline is given of the situation that might prevail if a significant population of radio sources is not at great distances and is associated with QSOs that have been ejected from relatively nearby galaxies. It is concluded that: (1) some types of cosmological investigations have been premature; (2) much of the discussion in this area still depends on the distances of QSOs; and (3) there is no conclusive proof that the population of radio sources is changing with epoch.
Document ID
19780031195
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Burbidge, G. (California, University San Diego, Calif.; Max-Planck-Institut fuer Physik und Astrophysik, Munich, Germany)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Radio astronomy and cosmology