"Jim Kelley" wrote in message
...
W4JLE wrote:
One can NOT see a
standing wave, whereas one may be computed from the observations.

Standing waves are in fact the observable result of the superposition of
traveling waves. Interferometers are devices which function because of
the fact that standing wave interference patterns are observable. Radio
interferometers allow us to do radio astronomy with improved spacial
resolution. We most certainly can see standing waves.

73, Jim AC6XG

being able to 'see' them is how they got their name. you could run a neon
bulb or other voltage or current detector along an open wire line and 'see'
the standing wave voltage and current peaks and nulls... that was of course
in the days before they would have warned you to stay far, far away from
sources of rf exposure like that.