The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) stands as an ambitious international project aimed at constructing the largest radio telescope in the world. India's recent financial commitment of Rs 1,250 crore underscores its vital involvement in this groundbreaking initiative.
The SKA will be situated in both Australia and South Africa, featuring two distinct arrays that will operate across a range of radio frequencies. The project's central headquarters is located at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the United Kingdom.
Construction of the SKA commenced in December 2022, starting with SKA1, and is projected to be fully operational by 2029.
Once completed, the SKA will surpass its predecessors in terms of speed and detail, becoming the most powerful telescope available. This advancement will provide unprecedented insights into the universe and its workings.
India's investment of Rs 1,250 crore reflects its strong commitment to the SKA project.
Indian research institutions are actively participating in the pre-construction phase and will continue to be integral to the ongoing research efforts of the SKA.
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, managed by Pune's National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, serves as a crucial research partner for the SKA initiative.
The primary goal of the SKA is to map galaxies located at the farthest reaches of the observable universe, yielding insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
The SKA will focus on studying the 'Dark Ages' of the universe, alongside dark matter and dark energy, which are essential for enhancing our understanding of these enigmatic subjects.
A significant aspect of the SKA's mission is to search for life beyond Earth by investigating habitable zones around distant stars.
The project is a collaborative effort involving 16 countries, each playing a role in various facets of the telescope's development and research.
Plans include additional dishes in neighboring African countries to boost data accuracy and resolution, further enhancing the capabilities of the SKA.
The SKA will feature numerous parabolic radio dishes and specialized dipole antennas, specifically engineered to capture faint radio signals from distant cosmic sources.
The SKA will incorporate 197 parabolic antennae located in South Africa and over 130,000 low-frequency antennae in Australia, systematically arranged to optimize signal detection.
The Square Kilometre Array project, with its innovative design and international cooperation—including India's critical role—is poised to transform our comprehension of the universe.
Q1. What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)?
Answer: The SKA is an international project developing the world's largest radio telescope, aimed at advancing our understanding of the universe through advanced astronomical research.
Q2. What is India's investment in the SKA project?
Answer: India has committed Rs 1,250 crore to the SKA project, highlighting its significant role in international scientific collaboration and research initiatives.
Q3. Where will the SKA be located?
Answer: The SKA will be constructed across Australia and South Africa, featuring distinct arrays designed to operate at different radio frequencies.
Q4. What are the scientific goals of the SKA?
Answer: The SKA aims to explore galaxy formation, study dark matter and energy, and search for extraterrestrial life by examining distant habitable zones.
Q5. How does India contribute to the SKA research efforts?
Answer: Indian institutions are actively involved in research collaboration and the pre-construction phase, providing essential contributions to the SKA's scientific objectives.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)?
A) To develop the world's largest optical telescope
B) To investigate dark matter only
C) To create the largest radio telescope for astronomical research
D) To search for resources in space
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which countries are involved in the SKA project?
A) Only India and South Africa
B) 16 countries including India and South Africa
C) Only Australia and the UK
D) 10 countries from Europe
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: When is the SKA expected to be operational?
A) 2025
B) 2029
C) 2030
D) 2028
Correct Answer: B
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