Artist's impression of dishes that will make up the SKA radio telescope.
Credit: SPDO/TDP/DRAO/Swinburne Astronomy Productions
SYDNEY: Key decisions around the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a next-generation telescope expected to revolutionise radio astronomy, were announced on Saturday.
The international SKA project office (SPO) - the institution responsible for designing the specifications and costing the project - would be housed at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Manchester, it was revealed on the weekend.
At the same time key signatories to the project including Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ in Rome, agreeing to work together to secure funding for the project.
Hundred of antennas
A decision on where the telescope will be built – either in Australia and New Zealand or South Africa – will be made early 2012.
The proposed radio telescope will consist of some 3000 dishes spread over a wide area, and promises to be 10,000 times faster than current technology, but carries a hefty price tag at around A$2 billion.
“Given the current economic environment, it is reassuring that so many partners have recognised the importance of supporting the SKA,” said John Womersley, from the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council and chair of the Founding Board that announced the decision.
Inspirational megascience project
“Our partners have taken this step not only because of the inspirational nature of the discoveries that the SKA will make, but also because of the economic benefits that international megascience projects can bring to participating countries.”
Brian Boyle, SKA director at Australia’s national science organisation CSIRO told Cosmos he is “quietly confident” with the amount of support expressed by integral funding partners.
“We’re moving with a significant degree of momentum around establishing a robust governing structure and shoring up potential investors,” said Boyle. “Over the past few months I’ve been very encouraged by the statements of support from key countries.”
