Applying Radio Astronomy Protection Levels to RFI Measurement Data

Radio astronomy protection levels for the South African Astronomy Advantage Areas (AAA) are defined in [1] and derived from the methodology described in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-R RA.769-2 [2] . RA.769, furthermore adopted in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Standards, Related Procedures and Guidelines [3] , determines the level of radio frequency interference (RFI) considered detrimental to radio astronomy observations undertaken in frequency bands that are allocated, by the ITU, to the radio astronomy service. To determine the impact of RFI signals on radio astronomy observations it is important to correctly apply the radio astronomy protection levels.