Square
Kilometer Array Telescope (SKA) – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
News: Square
Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope in the making, has
carried out its first observations, signalling that at least a part of the
yet-to-be-completed facility has become functional.
What’s in the news?
Square Kilometer Array
Telescope (SKA)
Overview:
- The SKA is
an advanced international project aimed at constructing the world’s
largest and most sensitive radio telescope. It is designed to address a
broad range of cutting-edge scientific questions, potentially
transforming our understanding of the universe.
Location and Structure:
- SKA-Low
(Australia):
- Located
in Australia, it will operate at low frequencies ranging from 50 to 350
MHz.
- Comprises
a network of 131,072 antennas, each about two meters tall, to form a
highly sensitive radio array.
- SKA-Mid
(South Africa):
§ Situated
in South Africa, it is designed to work in the mid-frequency range of 350 MHz
to 15.4 GHz.
§ Consists
of 197 large parabolic dish antennas, ideal for a wide range of astronomical
observations.
About: A radio
telescope is a specialized type of antenna and receiver system used
to detect and collect radio waves emitted by celestial objects.
- Radio waves
are EM (Electromagnetic) waves that have wavelengths
between 1 millimeter and 100 kilometers.
- Unlike
optical telescopes, radio telescopes can be used in the daytime
as well as at night.
Applications: Radio
telescopes are used to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena, including:
- The
formation and evolution of stars and galaxies
- Black holes
and other active galactic nuclei
- The
interstellar medium
- Planets and
moons in our solar system
- The search
for extraterrestrial life
Headquarters and Management:
- The SKA
Observatory’s operational headquarters are based in the United Kingdom,
coordinating this global effort in radio astronomy.
Scientific Goals:
- The SKA will
explore a variety of fundamental scientific questions, including:
- Understanding
the origins of the universe.
- Investigating
the formation and evolution of galaxies.
- Searching
for signs of life and comprehending the role of cosmic magnetism.
Global Collaboration:
- India joined
the SKA project in December 2022, becoming part of a consortium that
includes Canada, China, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, and the Netherlands,
among others.
Significance:
- With its
unprecedented sensitivity and scale, the SKA is expected to significantly
advance radio astronomy, providing new insights into the cosmos and
contributing to our knowledge of the fundamental processes of the
universe.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/two-stations-for-ska-telescope-generate-first-observational-image-9576012/