Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 25/07/2007 19:26:15

Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/07/2007 19:26:15: These things are situated not far from where I live. They're between Bloxham & Milton in Oxfordshire. Does anyone have any idea what they are? There are dozens of them spread over an area of at least half a mile square. I estimate their height to be about 40-50'.

(Sorry about the quality, I grabbed them from a video I took)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Faerials_0001.jpg&hash=c087555fa4ba2590422c2621ac9c4167)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Faerials_0002.jpg&hash=7651955417b7112c3467468ab86187f0)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Faerials_0003.jpg&hash=0820a1e53b94bd9ab105dc36dd83a735)

It may not be easy to see but at the tops there are 3 almost horizontal spars 120^o apart.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 25/07/2007 19:33:26: Typical British workman to put the wings on the wrong way round !!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F191%2F475329830_42e49de096.jpg&hash=8c9d3e43503eb5fafc6447527e772e11)

Can't say I have a clue though Doc ! (so..what else is new ?)
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: syhprum on 25/07/2007 19:39:09: It is possible to obtain an overhead view with 'Google Earth' on lat 52.00415 lon -1.362774 but I can only assume they are part of some landing system
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: G-1 Theory on 25/07/2007 19:43:05: I am just gussing here but as a Ham myself, I would say that they are 1/2 wave inverted "L" antanna for 60meters ham band.
Ed Kerls call sign "Ke5rls"
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: paul.fr on 25/07/2007 20:29:14: At first i thought you were refering to the clouds! Tough one this, they do look like ham antenni. But going on the location and quantity i would take a guess at something to do with navigation. As has been mentioned.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: syhprum on 25/07/2007 21:31:36: Before satelites were available there were two long distance communication systems 'ionospheric scatter' that used frequencies about 40 MHz and 'tropospheric scatter' that worked on about 2 GHz.
Both systems have long been abandoned but many installations still survive, my guess that theses antenna were for 'ionospheric scatter' communications.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/07/2007 22:22:33: I considered some kind of radio communication system but I thought there were too many antennae for that. I wondered if they could be some kind of radio telescope.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 25/07/2007 22:42:41: There must be access to them. Is there a gated entrance somewhere where a clue may be found ?
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/07/2007 22:47:03: The site is bounded by 2 roads that I know of. 1 of them I go along regularly as that's the way I go to the stables and there are no signs on that road. I haven't been along the other 1 yet. I'll have to have a look some time.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 26/07/2007 00:41:55: It looks like a radio receiving station there are loads of yagis and the big triangles look like they have got lots of wires and could be log periodic directional arrays. Its probably a short wave radio monitiring station that handles lots of channels simultaneously
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 26/07/2007 07:52:15: You all seem to think it's to do with short wave radio so I guess that's probably what it is. Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: paul.fr on 26/07/2007 09:53:00: Have a look for a gate, it may have a sign that reads "Warning - short wave ariels".
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 09:57:34: Nah...someones just taken their washing in to avoid the rain.....
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: syhprum on 26/07/2007 10:28:38: Studying the Google Earth picture I can identify one log-periodic Yagi and several elevated structures that appear to have wire type antennas strung to their tips I presume these are for HF band transmission while the Yagi is for reception.
I would say this was for communication with aircraft before satellite communication became established.
Heathrow used to have a large Yagi for this purpose
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 13/08/2007 23:20:24: I went on a mission this evening to find out what that installation is.

I went along the road I hadn't been along previously and, sure enough, there's a driveway with a sign identifying it as RAF Barford St John. It's only a short driveway - no more than 20 yds long - and I pulled into it. At the end of the driveway is a gate in a high, razor-wire-topped fence. The gate is similarly razor-wired. There are 2 signs on the gate. 1 says "MOD property", the other says something about the site being subject to the Official Secrets Act and threatens arrest & prosecution. I was going to take some photos but, as it turned out, I'm glad I didn't.

On the site is a fairly large, squat, brick building and there were orange lights on inside. To 1 side of that is what looks like a domed hanger also made from brick.

I got back into my car & decided that as it was nice & peaceful there, I'd eat the packet of crisps I had in the glovebox. I'd barely started on them when a HumV pulled up on the inside of the gate and 2 hefty military types got out, both holding automatic rifles.

A gruff, American accent called out "What are you doing here?". I got out of the car, thought quickly and said that the kids were getting on my nerves so I'd gone for a drive, found the driveway and decided to stop there for a nibble.

In no uncertain terms Mr American Military Person let me know that I was unwelcome while the other 1 started to unlock the gate.

Now, call me a coward if you like, but I don't like guns in the hands of people I'm facing if they don't have my best interests at heart. I hastily apologised, saying I didn't realise I was in a restricted area (I wasn't, I was on an ungated driveway) and that I would leave without further ado. I got back into my car and made full use of its 3 litre engine & sports setting on the gearbox when I drove off.

So, I'm basically still none the wiser apart from the fact that I now know that it's a British Airforce base with American personnel who are a tad touchy about their perimeter.

The plot thickens.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: ukmicky on 14/08/2007 00:07:22: Hi Doc
This may help.

RAF Barford St John is an airfield in Oxfordshire, England operated by the United States Air Force.

The three runways are inactive, used instead as a site for several large communications aerials as a satellite of RAF Croughton.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Barford_St_John

RAF Croughton is a United States Air Force communications base in Northamptonshire, England, to the southeast of the village of Croughton. The base is home to the 422nd Air Base Group and operates one of Europe's largest military switchboards and processes approximately a third of all U.S. military communications in Europe. [1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Croughton

PS I TOOK YOUR PICTURES FOR YOU, I DONT THINK THEY SAW ME FROM UP THERE.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2Fraf.jpg&hash=7738013f9cfee2b372d66b06bff0e019)(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2Fraf2.jpg&hash=cde9065e8a68f476f32ebdf31bfb1eec)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2Fraf3.jpg&hash=585977cf345587cc76f9eb4ed6a16b43)(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2Fraf4.jpg&hash=d9a31a19dadbe812e640349e52f6286a)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2Fraf5.jpg&hash=67a5a4f81d50accdeab46d9d00bba510)

UPDATE TWO ME IN BLACK SUITS WALKING PAST HOUSE
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 00:14:58: That would explain why they're a bit touchy. Thanks, Micky.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 00:25:28: (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Fmap.jpg&hash=71741ed63175e882b85411c73f6fad30)

Turn right about 200yds off the side of the map where I've put the arrow and my village is half a mile down that road.

The building I've circled is on a farm at the edge of the village.
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: ukmicky on 14/08/2007 00:48:04: YOU MUST MEAN THIS ONE
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa186%2Fukmicky%2FBEAVERLANE.jpg&hash=656e05bc11c8c0ab8adc3ddf7886a48e)

Nice place to live Doc
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 01:03:59: Quote from: neilep on 25/07/2007 19:33:26
Typical British workman to put the wings on the wrong way round !!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F191%2F475329830_42e49de096.jpg&hash=8c9d3e43503eb5fafc6447527e772e11)

Can't say I have a clue though Doc ! (so..what else is new ?)

These look like the new fangled windmills we have here in California and around!LOL..

The others I have tried to look up and am having no luck!
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 01:37:59: Excellent Piccys Michael.

Have you guys tried Microsofts Virtual earth yet ?

I have found it to be vastly superior in detail and resolution.

I dare not use it on the crappy laptop I'm using now but it might be worth seeing what those piccys look like using it !!

http://maps.live.com/?vendor=google&pkw=earth
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: ukmicky on 14/08/2007 01:40:11: Cheers Neily

I WILL CHECK THAT PROG OUT
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: syhprum on 14/08/2007 05:41:54: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 13/08/2007 23:20:24
I got back into my car and made full use of its 3 litre engine & sports setting on the gearbox when I drove off.
Sounds like you have a BMW330, Snap
Microsoft Virtual world seems to have the same resolution as Google Earth, presumably they use the same source materiel.
I loaded the latest version of the Virtual world program the resolution seems the same but the enlargement is not as great
Title: Re: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 07:00:07: Quote from: syhprum on 14/08/2007 05:41:54
Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 13/08/2007 23:20:24
I got back into my car and made full use of its 3 litre engine & sports setting on the gearbox when I drove off.
Sounds like you have a BMW330, Snap

730i. I could have made a much hastier exit in my other car but I'm not driving that til I get some no claims bonus back as the insurance is a killer.
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 07:01:30: Micky - yup, that's my village. It's about 6 miles out of Banbury.
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 10:27:10: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 07:00:07

Quote from: syhprum on 14/08/2007 05:41:54
Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 13/08/2007 23:20:24
I got back into my car and made full use of its 3 litre engine & sports setting on the gearbox when I drove off.
Sounds like you have a BMW330, Snap

730i. I could have made a much hastier exit in my other car but I'm not driving that til I get some no claims bonus back as the insurance is a killer.

My Toyota Previa Kicks ass ||!!..would leave your "Other" car in it's wake !!

.....assuming you've not engaged any gears and still have the handbrake on !!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 10:39:47: (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Fcars%2F96toyotaprevia.500.jpg&hash=0bcbf2a9ca81320e1884e60becb8d279)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Fcars%2FAston_Martin_Vantage_SC.jpg&hash=c45ea5c5466089e604b54d4209905452)

I'm not a gambling man, but I think I know which 1 I'd put my money on. The Vantage standing still is probably faster than a Previa!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: dentstudent on 14/08/2007 10:43:50: I thought I'd put my car through the anagram machine...it's inspirational.

Escalate Prune
Cesarean Letup
Placenta Reuse
Pentacles Urea
Arse Petulance
Taupe Cleanser
Nucleates Rape
Secrete Up Anal
Peanut Cereals
Escape Neutral
Anal Rescue Pet
Aural Pee Scent
Anal Persecute
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 10:45:23: Arse petulance! Classic!! (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Flol%2F1.gif&hash=d8e6686452e290c988dbac6c3e01d75a)
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 10:48:17: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 10:39:47

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Fcars%2FAston_Martin_Vantage_SC.jpg&hash=c45ea5c5466089e604b54d4209905452)

[ Invalid Attachment ]

I'm not a gambling man, but I think I know which 1 I'd put my money on. The Vantage standing still is probably faster than a Previa!

LOL...I did know you have the Vantage !!...but I do have the latest incarnation of the previa...so there !!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:07:46: It's a Transit van with windows painted on the side [:D]
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: dentstudent on 14/08/2007 11:07:58: Not much with the toyota..

Yeti Oat Vapor

Aston Martin Vantage:

A Manservant in T' Toga
Savanna meat Rotting
Antimatter snag Nova
Navigate Matrons Tan
a.m. Tavern Antagonist
Vagina Toast Remnant [:0]
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:10:11: Quote from: dentstudent on 14/08/2007 11:07:58
Not much with the toyota..

Yeti Oat Vapor

Aston Martin Vantage:

A Manservant in T' Toga
Savanna meat Rotting
Antimatter snag Nova
Navigate Matrons Tan
a.m. Tavern Antagonist
Vagina Toast Remnant [:0]

a.m. Tavern Antagonist - well, my local closes at 1am & I don't like closing time [:D]

Vagina Toast Remnant - [:0] indeed
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 11:35:01: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:07:46
It's a Transit van with windows painted on the side [:D]

Fortunately that's not my Previa....

....the Vantage is just too much for it !!

*hangs head in shame*
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:52:57: AdVantage to moi! [:D]
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 12:48:11: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:52:57
AdVantage to moi! [:D]

Ewe could say I was easy Prey-for-ya ! *groan*
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 13:12:58: Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 12:48:11
Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 11:52:57
AdVantage to moi! [:D]

Ewe could say I was easy Prey-for-ya ! *groan*

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fdoh%2F2.gif&hash=fef6931e562a6dc5fd0fd29a97202c70)
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: syhprum on 14/08/2007 20:11:03: Not my actual car but identical model

Can't quite get the hang of inserting pictures! [ Invalid Attachment ]

I did it for you ,all you needed to to do was click on the " Insert into message" text ,after the BMW_2001_330ci_Cpe_.jpg part
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 20:19:55: Nice car syhprum....very nice !!

I think you've done a grand job of posting it !!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 21:11:38: syhprum - I think that style of 3-series is so much nicer than the new ones.
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 21:14:04: I love the old 850 !
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/08/2007 21:16:38: The 850 was interesting, but way over-priced for what it was. I believe it was around £80k. And for a 5.6 litre V12 engine, it wasn't that quick (0-60mph in 6 seconds, top speed of 155mph - although the late models could reach 180mph+).

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2FDoctorBeaver%2Fcars%2FBMW_850CSi.jpg&hash=96eea27826470d85889c1017ea2dc9ce)
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 21:17:37: But it looked fantastic ! (IMHO)....so sleek and streamlined !
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 21:32:10: Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 21:17:37
But it looked fantastic ! (IMHO)....so sleek and streamlined !

That is very sleek and streamlined. It is a nice car!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:10:53: To be honest though..I'm a merc man but always had a soft spot for the big BeeMer !..and the old 6 series too !
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 22:22:02: Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:10:53
To be honest though..I'm a merc man but always had a soft spot for the big BeeMer !..and the old 6 series too !

Mercedes or mercury??
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:35:21: Quote from: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 22:22:02
Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:10:53
To be honest though..I'm a merc man but always had a soft spot for the big BeeMer !..and the old 6 series too !

Mercedes or mercury??

Mercedes

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gearbits.com%2Fimages%2Fslr.jpg&hash=0f31c2ad8f337e7408ed4e3d025158cb)
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:37:01: ..........and i also have a penchant for the Docs Aston too !!..i've always loved Aston martin !!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 23:03:47: Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:35:21
Quote from: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 22:22:02
Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:10:53
To be honest though..I'm a merc man but always had a soft spot for the big BeeMer !..and the old 6 series too !

Mercedes or mercury??

Mercedes

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gearbits.com%2Fimages%2Fslr.jpg&hash=0f31c2ad8f337e7408ed4e3d025158cb)

I have never seen one of those before.. That is a beautiful car...WOO HOOO! I want to go for a ride.. You get the car I'll come take a ride... WOW Nice Taste Neily!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/08/2007 23:06:01: Quote from: neilep on 14/08/2007 22:37:01
..........and i also have a penchant for the Docs Aston too !!..i've always loved Aston martin !!

Is there a picture of one..Aston?

As Far as a mercedes I did not know they made such a beautiful sports car! Wow!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 17/08/2007 15:17:07: Those McLaren Mercs are as good to drive as they look. I liked setting fire to the brakes!
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: neilep on 17/08/2007 17:34:32: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 17/08/2007 15:17:07
Those McLaren Mercs are as good to drive as they look. I liked setting fire to the brakes!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Ffire%2F1.gif&hash=5c4cde8cf5c6ecbf329c3a659f8a2f8f)
Title: Updated - Does anyone know what these aerial thingies are?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 18/08/2007 07:47:35: Quote from: neilep on 17/08/2007 17:34:32
Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 17/08/2007 15:17:07
Those McLaren Mercs are as good to drive as they look. I liked setting fire to the brakes!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Ffire%2F1.gif&hash=5c4cde8cf5c6ecbf329c3a659f8a2f8f)

Almost. They've got ceramic brakes that glow red & flame if you stand on the brake pedal from about 150mph. Plus there's an air-brake that pops up from the rear of the car.