Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DH
Context: Union Cabinet has approved the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the world’s largest radio telescope, involving international collaboration, including India’s participation with a financial commitment.
Major aspects of the Project:
| Nature of Project | Development of the world’s largest radio telescope. Giant Metre wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is playing a role in SKAO |
| Participating Countries | Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, UK (hosting headquarters) |
| India’s Role | India joined SKAO in 2012 as an Associate Member and has actively participated in the pre-construction phase of the SKA telescopes |
| Project Objective | Study galaxies in the universe, map visible galaxies with unprecedented detail, provide data on the evolution of our galaxy, and search for signs of extra-terrestrial life, Detect Gravitational Waves |
| Observatory Structure | Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) – an intergovernmental organization headquartered in the UK. SKAO will consist of one global observatory, operating two telescopes, across three sites. Two SKA telescopes will be at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia. They will operate as one large unit. |
| Construction Phases | Two phases – SKA1 construction started in December 2022, with operations expected to begin by 2029 |
| Key Activities | Rapid scanning of the skies, detailed mapping of visible galaxies, collection of survey data for insights into the early evolution of our galaxy, and the search for extraterrestrial life |
