Cosmic Background Noise Temperature Measurements at 13-cm Wavelength

Cosmic background noise temperature measurements which were made at 13.05-cm wavelength (2297 MHz) resulted in an experimental value of [266 ± 0.77 (3σ)] K. The two largest error sources were due to uncertainties in the calibration of the liquid helium cooled termination and the antenna transmission line. The 2.66 K value is in good agreement with the currently accepted value of 2.8 K. Measurements were made at 2297-MHz space communications frequency because cosmic background noise is an important consideration in the calculations of expected signal-to-noise ratios for spacecraft and ground receiving systems.