Square Kilometre Array is coming

THE SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY (SKA) will be a huge network of radio telescope antennae, all working in concert to provide unprecedentedly precise and sensitive views of the universe.

Able to see from the present day almost all the way to the Big Bang, and everything in between, it will answer fundamental questions about the origin of stars, galaxies and planetary systems.

Comprising thousands of separate antennae, connected electronically to form one large antenna thousands of kilometres wide, the SKA will have to be built on a large patch of real estate. Two regions are competing for the “hosting” rights—a joint Australia–New Zealand bid, and a bid comprising a number of southern African countries.

It is expected the decision about where the SKA is to be built will be made in 2012.

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The Square Kilometre Array

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Video animation produced by Swinburne Astronomy Productions.

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