India has joined as a full member of an international research consortium building the world’s largest radio telescope split across two continents and designed to probe the skies in unprecedented detail 10,000 times faster than possible now.
India’s department of atomic energy and department of science and technology are set to contribute ₹1,250 crore (140 million euros), about 10 per cent of the estimated 1.3 billion euros, for the construction of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).
Scientists have described the SKAO’s two arrays of telescopes — one in Australia and the other in South Africa — as “game-changers” for radio astronomy that will open new opportunities to explore the universe and the fundamental laws of physics.
Indian scientists have participated in discussions on the design, construction and science goals for the SKAO since 2012 but India joined the SKAO Council this July. “India’s contributions to the SKAO have been substantial, spanning science, engineering and governance,” SKAO director-general PhilDiamond said.
