Square Kilometer Array – Christmas trees made of metal for the world’s largest radio telescope – Knowledge




Square Kilometer Array – Christmas trees made of metal for the world’s largest radio telescope – Knowledge – SRF
























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What looks like metal Christmas trees are the antennas of the world’s largest radio telescope. The construction has now started.

Millions of antennas and thousands of telescope dishes will reach into the sky in two remote regions in South Africa and western Australia. They are connected to each other via fiber optic cables and thus become the largest radio telescope in the world. Headquarters are set up in the UK.

Square Kilometer Array

The “Square Kilometer Array” (SKA) is considered one of the most important scientific projects of the 21st century. It is intended to solve open questions in astrophysics – the mysteries of dark matter, the formation of galaxies or the expansion of the universe. Because of its high sensitivity, the SKA should be able to pick up signals from a great distance. In addition, it can map cosmic structures such as the Milky Way comprehensively and quickly.

The SKA should cover a total area of ​​one square kilometer, hence its name. The first scientific observations will be able to start in four to five years. A total of 14 countries are involved in the billion-euro project, including Switzerland.


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