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 S-burst Dynamic Spectrum and Shortwave Radio Sounds

This dynamic spectrum recorded at the University of Florida Radio Observatory shows the typical time vs. frequency behavior of a series of Jovian S-bursts.The instantaneous bandwidth of an S-burst is narrow, less than 0.1 kHz. Somewhat like VLF terrestrial "whistlers," Jovian S-bursts drift rapidly from high to low frequencies. The drift rate for S-bursts is high -- from 10 to 30 MHz/s. Most shortwave radio telescopes have a very narrow observing bandwidth, often just a few kHz wide to avoid terrestrial interference. When an S-burst zooms through such a narrow window it produces a "pop" in the loudspeaker. The audio whistling quality of S-bursts is only apparent when the signal is played back at a 128:1 or greater slow-down ratio.

S Burst Sounds-- Played back at normal speed, S bursts have a rapid-fire popping sound. [RealPlayer format: longer version & shorter version] [*.au format: longer version & shorter version]

S Burst Sounds-- Played back with a 128:1 slowdown ratio, the S-bursts make eerie whistling noises. [RealPlayer format: longer version & shorter version] [*.au format: longer version & shorter version]