How does a radome protect a radio telescope?

A radome acts as a protective enclosure for a radio telescope, particularly those designed to operate at very short wavelengths. By housing the antenna assembly, the radome helps to nearly eliminate the negative effects of wind loading and temperature differences across the telescope's structure.1

These enclosures are constructed using specialized materials engineered to exhibit very low absorption and reflection of radio waves, ensuring that the telescope's ability to detect signals is not compromised. While highly effective at maintaining structural stability and performance, the cost of installing a temperature-controlled radome for a large antenna can be nearly as expensive as the construction of the movable antenna itself.1