Construction of world’s largest radio telescope begins in Australia

The Square Kilometer Array Telescope (SKA), which is expected to be an important milestone for mapping the universe, is currently under construction in Australia. This radio telescope, which is the largest pillar of the $3 billion project, located deep in the western Australian outback, spanning 16 countries, will include more than 130,000 antennas across 74 kilometers.

“There are other radio telescopes or optical telescopes but nothing comparable in scale to this telescope in Australia,” said Antony Schinckel, SKA’s director of construction. made the statement. Dr Schinckel said the idea to build a huge telescope to advance our understanding of the universe arose in the early 90’s and the SKA project began in 2003. became,” he said.

As part of the project, it will be useful for studying the early universe and may provide new insights into the formation of the first stars during the reionization period. However, the telescope is also expected to help investigate dark energy and its potential impact on cosmic expansion.

30-year project won’t be finished until 2028

The radio telescope built in Australia is called SKA Low. Sarah Pearce, director of the telescope, states that this project has been planned for 30 years. It is stated that the construction of all telescopes and antennas will take until 2028, but the first scientific results are expected 4 or 5 years from now.

Dr Pearce states that the SDG site will work in parallel with the other leg of the project in South Africa, which includes 197 bowls. When the two facilities combine, they will form one of the largest science facilities on Earth.

16 countries joined hands for the project

For the SDG project, 16 countries have invested their skills, money and resources. According to the reports, antenna trees are made in Italy, part of the software work is done by India, and for the signaling part by Chinese sources.

When the SKA project is fully completed, it is expected to shape the next fifty years and take a giant leap forward, as with the James Webb Space Telescope.