Square Kilometre Array Observatory SKA

The construction of Square Kilometre Array Observatory SKA which is world’s largest radio astronomical observatory has begun in Australia after three decades in development.

• The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over a square kilometre (one million square metre) of collecting area.
• Two Square Kilometre Arrays telescope are constructed at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia.
  • Australian SKA has frequency aperture array antennas.
  • South African SKA has mid frequency array antennas.
• Square Kilometre Array will give astronomers insight into the formation and evolution of the first stars and galaxies after the Big Bang, the role of cosmic magnetism, the nature of gravity.
• Although 16 members countries are the cornerstone of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), around 100 organisation across 20 countries are participating in design and development of SKA.

• The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is an International organisation established in year 2021.
• This SKA observatory is dedicated to radio astronomy, headquartered in the UK.
• SKA Observatory will undertake the construction, maintenance and operation of the SKA telescope.
• Multiple organisations from member nations take part in the SKA project.
• From India, National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) will participate.