Spectrum of the microwave background radiation

A review is given of the present status of measurements of the spectrum of the microwave background. Factors which limit experimental accuracy are discussed with particular reference to high frequency measurements. A selection of the available measurements yields a data set which is reasonably consistent with the blackbody spectrum for a temperature of 2.9 K. A simple statistical analysis suggests either that there are errors in the data set, or that deviations from a blackbody spectrum exist. The difficulties inherent in property averaging the results from different observers are described. Prospects for improved measurements will be summarized