From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project
Why in the News?
The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone.
About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project:
| Details | |
| Project Overview | SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life. |
| Construction Phases | Two phases:
Phase 1 (SKA- Mid) began in December 2022. Full operations expected by 2029. |
| Headquarters | Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK |
| Site Locations | Telescope arrays in Australia (low-frequency) and South Africa (mid-frequency). |
| Design and Features |
These are capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances. |
| Global Consortium | 16 member countries, including Australia, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and several European nations. |
| India’s Role |
|
| Key Technologies | Advanced interferometer system using wave interference for data collection. |
| Scientific Objectives |
|
| Frequency Range | Operates between 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz |
| Global Collaboration | Key collaboration among India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other member nations for data generation, analysis, and installation of antennas. |
PYQ:[2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news: 1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. 2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter 3. It is buried deep in the ice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
