Radio astronomy studies radio radiation from celestial sources. It allows to study the 'invisible universe', for instance: magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium and the nature and evolution of pulsars. Milestones in the history of radio astronomy are the discovery of synchrotron radiation, of neutral hydrogen in the galaxy and of neutron stars (or pulsars) which allow to test fundamental physical laws.
Advances in IT technology also dramatically change radio astronomy. Radio astronomical techniques rely on real-time and fast data processing methods. Modern technologies allow to use fast and flexible computers for these tasks. These developments opened the way for high-resolution imaging at long wavelengths (> 1.5 meter, < 200 MHz). For instance, the novel telescope Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and the upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA) are only possible due to new IT technologies.
German universities and research institutes which participate in these new exiting developments of radio astronomy have formed the German Long Wavelength Consortium (GLOW). Our aim is to foster the use of this new window into the universe.