The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project represents a groundbreaking international initiative aimed at constructing the largest radio telescope on Earth. This ambitious project will facilitate deep space observations from two strategically selected locations: the remote and serene landscapes of Western Australia and South Africa.
India plays a crucial role in the SKA project by overseeing the development of essential software needed for monitoring and controlling the telescopes. Indian institutions are actively engaged in various phases, including planning, design, and execution, ensuring that the country contributes significantly to this scientific endeavor.
The SKA telescopes are designed to enhance our understanding of the universe. They will provide detailed insights into galaxies, black holes, and the tracking of gravitational waves, which are vital for various scientific investigations in astronomy.
The SKA telescopes will operate at two distinct frequency ranges, identified as SKA-Mid and SKA-Low. The SKA-Mid will utilize traditional dish antennas, while the SKA-Low will incorporate smaller, tree-like antennas, allowing for a diverse range of astronomical observations.
This project is poised to be a game-changer in the field of science. By employing advanced technology and powerful supercomputers, the SKA will enable unprecedented studies of the universe, potentially transforming our knowledge across various scientific disciplines.
More than ten countries are collaborating on the SKA project, with India being a significant participant. This multinational effort underscores the global commitment to advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
The Indian government has pledged a substantial contribution of Rs 1,250 crore towards its participation in the SKA project, reflecting the nation's dedication to contributing to this monumental scientific initiative.
Q1. What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?
Answer: The SKA project is an international effort to establish the world's largest radio telescope for deep space observations from remote sites in Western Australia and South Africa.
Q2. What is India’s contribution to the SKA project?
Answer: India is supervising software development for telescope control and is involved in planning, design, and execution stages of the SKA project.
Q3. How will the SKA telescopes help in astronomical observations?
Answer: The SKA telescopes will enhance our study of the universe, focusing on galaxies, black holes, and gravitational waves, among other areas.
Q4. What are the two different frequency ranges of the SKA telescopes?
Answer: The SKA telescopes will operate at SKA-Mid and SKA-Low frequencies, utilizing dish antennas and smaller tree-like antennas, respectively.
Q5. How is the SKA project a game-changer in science?
Answer: The SKA will leverage cutting-edge technology and supercomputers, enabling unprecedented studies of the universe and advancing knowledge in multiple scientific fields.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?
A) To build the largest optical telescope
B) To create the world's largest radio telescope
C) To establish a satellite network
D) To develop new gravitational wave detectors
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which countries are primarily involved in the SKA project?
A) Only India and Australia
B) Multiple countries including India and South Africa
C) Only South Africa and New Zealand
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the estimated financial contribution of India to the SKA project?
A) Rs 500 crore
B) Rs 750 crore
C) Rs 1,250 crore
D) Rs 2,000 crore
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What are the two frequency ranges used by the SKA telescopes?
A) High and low
B) SKA-Mid and SKA-Low
C) Ultra and mega
D) Gamma and X-ray
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What technology will the SKA project utilize for scientific studies?
A) Basic computing systems
B) Advanced supercomputers
C) Manual calculations
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
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