Speaker
Description
While not a science talk, this presentation aims to provide an overview of the regulatory landscape and technical approach to protect LOFAR in an increasingly crowded radio spectrum. I will introduce the basics of spectrum management, including the international landscape that governs radio frequency use, and the role of CRAF in protecting radio astronomy. The talk will also explain how compatibility studies are used to assess potential interference from new spectrum users. Finally, I will discuss a number of emerging challenges that are particularly relevant to LOFAR operations, such as the impact of wind turbines, unintended radiation of satellites, and wireless power transfer. Spectrum management is rarely discussed in radio astronomy conferences, but it is crucial for safeguarding our observational capabilities now and into the future.
