An automated station for the detection of bursts of cosmic origin at VHF and UHF

An automated system for the detection of bursts of cosmic origin at radio frequencies has been built at Medicina (Bologna). The station, completely independent, is part of a network of observatories based in Ireland, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Italy. The receiving apparatus, operating at 151 and 408 MHz, and the experimental method used to reject unwanted events is described. Observational programmes include a search for the radio counterpart of X- and γ-ray bursts, observations of the galactic centre and Cygnus regions, and a full sky monitoring. Sensitivity limits as well as preliminary results are discussed. (Auth.)