Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: chris on 13/06/2017 12:55:11

Title: What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), what will it do and how does it work?
Post by: chris on 13/06/2017 12:55:11

Steve has been in touch to say:

Greetings Chris and the Naked team

Can someone on your panel give us an update on the Square Kilometre Array?

What is its purpose?
Is the project on track and on budget?
What are the potential problems?
How does it compare to other big telescopes being built?

Thanks!

Steve Williams
NSW, Australia

Who can help?

Title: Re: What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), what will it do and how does it work?
Post by: evan_au on 14/06/2017 10:01:37

There have been some small-scale prototypes deployed to demonstrate the technology.

Construction of the first phase is due to start in 2018, in two parts:
- Africa will have an array of conventional steerable parabolic radio telescope receivers
- Australia will have an array of angular-looking lower-frequency antennas on the ground which are steered electronically.

The second phase is much larger in area, and is due to start after 2023, but it has not yet been funded.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Kilometre_Array