The Origin of Galactic Radio-Frequency Radiation

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Abstract
The results of observations of the intensity and distribution of radio-frequency radiation from the Galaxy at frequencies. from 9.5 to 3000 Mc./s. have been collected. Some of these data are used to determine spectrum curves of the radiation from chosen regions of the Galaxy. Using the equations defining the propagation of radio waves in an ionized gas, the forms of spectrum curves from distributions of gas are determined. It is shown that the power flux of radio energy from a thermally radiating gas cloud increases with frequency except under special conditions which are defined. From a comparison of the observed and the theoretical spectrum curves it is shown that galactic radiation at radio frequencies probably originates partly in hot ionized interstellar gas and partly in stellar atmospheres. The ionized gas provides most of the radiation at the higher frequencies and evidences itself by absorption at the lower. The properties of the stellar sources are discussed.

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