In 1996, R.S. Dixon of Ohio state University proposed a new concept for a radio telescope array dubbed “Argus.” This approach used a large array of broadband antennas with broad beamwidth that provides all-sky field of view (FOV), can generate multiple simultaneous beams, and performs “retroactive observing.” The design of Argus, its theoretical performance, the system’s ability to detect and localize the sun, and various capabilities were recently summarized by Steven W. Ellingson from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Grant A. Hampson from CSIRO-Australia National Telescope Facility, and Russell K. Childers from Ohio State University.

This antenna-array system was designed to demonstrate all-sky monitoring for transient signals in the frequency range of 1200 to 1700 MHz. As it is currently implemented, the system achieves sensitivity of at least 6.6 x 10 ^-22 Wm ^-2 Hz ^-1 = 66 kJy (zenith at 1700 MHz for a 209-ms observation with 60-kHz bandwidth). The system comprises 22 broadband spiral antennas, which can be expanded to 32. See “Argus: An L-Band All-Sky Astronomical Surveillance System,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, February 2008, p. 294.