Square Kilometre Array Observatory construction commences

[Rick]

Square Kilometre Array Observatory construction commences

After thirty years of development, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) announced Monday it has commenced construction of its radio telescopes in both South Africa and Australia.

"After 18 months of global procurement and construction activities around the world, on 5 December 2022 the SKAO enters a new era by officially marking the start of SKA construction at the telescope sites in Australia and South Africa!" enthuses SKAO's description of a video showing off its work.

The radio telescope will survey the sky with previously unheard-of sensitivity, looking for clues to questions ranging from dark matter to how galaxies form.

More: https://www.theregister.com/2022/12/05/square_kilometre_array_observatory_construction_commences

[Rick]

'Are we alone in the universe?': work begins in Western Australia on world's most powerful radio telescopes

Construction of the world's largest radio astronomy observatory, the Square Kilometre Array, has officially begun in Australia after three decades in development.

The SKA will initially involve two telescope arrays – one on Wajarri country in remote Western Australia, called SKA-Low, comprising 131,072 tree-like antennas.

SKA-Low is so named for its sensitivity to low-frequency radio signals. It will be eight times as sensitive than existing comparable telescopes and will map the sky 135 times faster.

A second array of 197 traditional dishes, SKA-Mid, will be built in South Africa's Karoo region.

More: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/dec/05/are-we-alone-in-the-universe-work-begins-in-western-australia-on-worlds-most-powerful-radio-telescope