Introduction

India will contribute Rs 1,250 crore to the multinational Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, a significant international astronomical collaboration.

Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project: An Overview

Construction Phases: The SKA project is being built in two phases, with the first phase (SKA1) having commenced in December 2022.
Project’s Headquarters: The SKA project is headquartered at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK.
Site Location: It involves constructing telescope arrays in Australia and South Africa, aiming to map galaxies and explore the universe with unprecedented detail.
Operational Timeline: SKA1 is expected to begin operations by 2029.

Array Composition: The SKA will consist of 197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa and 131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia.
Antennae Design: The design includes parabolic dishes and dipole antennae capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
Spatial Arrangement: The dishes and antennae will be strategically placed over large areas to calibrate the origin of observed signals effectively.

Consortium Members: The SKA Observatory (SKAO) includes 16 member countries, such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, China, India, Japan, and several European nations.
Frequency Range: The South African array will focus on mid-frequency signals, while the Australian telescope will cover low-frequency ranges.
Expansion Plans: Additional dishes are planned in neighbouring African countries to enhance the project’s data triangulation and resolution capabilities.

Exploring the Universe: The SKA will observe and map galaxies at the edge of the observable universe, providing insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
Studying the ‘Dark Ages’: The telescope will delve into the early universe’s ‘Dark Ages’ and investigate phenomena like dark matter and dark energy.
Search for Extraterrestrial Life: The SKA will also contribute to the search for life beyond Earth by examining habitable zones around stars.

Pathfinder Research Partner: India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), is a key partner in the project.
Consortium Involvement: The SKA India consortium comprises over 20 colleges and universities across India, contributing to various aspects of the project.