South Africa and Australia to share world’s largest telescope

South Africa and Australia are to share the US$2billion Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, which will become the most powerful telescope of its kind when it is fully operational in 2024. The gigantic Square Kilometre Array radio telescope will be 50 times more sensitive than the world’s current radio telescopes. South Africa will host most of the Square Kilometre Array dishes. All of the mid-frequency arrays will be in Africa, while the low-frequency arrays will be built in Australia. South Africa’s telescope site will be in the Karoosemi-desert and be connected to a network of dishes across sub-Saharan Africa. The network is made up of countries like Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia. The Australian site will be at Mileura station in western Australia, with antennae distributed across the country and New Zealand. Dr Michiel van Haarlem, interim director generalof the SKA Organisation, said, “The SKA will transform our view of the universe; with it we will see back to the moments after the Big Bangand discover previously unexplored parts of the cosmos.” The Square Kilometre Array radio telescope will enable scientists to investigate many mysteriesof the universe, including how the first Black Holes and stars were born, why it is expanding and whether there is life beyond Earth. Scientists will also be able to study dark energy,magnetic fields and extraterrestrial signals. Professor Andrew Kindness, dean of University of KwaZulu-Natal’s school of chemistry and physics said, “The establishment of the SKA willundoubtedly open a new chapter of learning andspace investigation, not only in South Africa, butin other emerging African countries. If there was ever a reason for students to excel at school, the awarding of this mega telescope and the enormous international spin-off in research endeavours, should be a compelling reason to achieve.” Professor of Physics and Senior Research Associate at University of KwaZulu-Natal, Manfred Hellberg, said: “Historically we are a scientifically enriched nation, great enquiring minds, cutting edge empirical science. We are up there with the best and we have a proactive government. So yes, it’s a very exciting prospect, not only for me, but the groupof leading South African scientists.” Share This Piece With Your Friends On Facebook And Twitter! Don't Miss out on Our BBM Updates: send invite to 2347DC5D now!!!