By Maxwell Awumah
On March 23, the Ghana News Agency reported that the release of the initial image from the SKA (Square Kilometer Array) Observatory's telescope located in Australia, known as SKA-Low, marks a major step forward in its mission to provide an unprecedented look at the cosmos.
This represents the initial image captured by an early prototype of the SKA-Low telescope, utilizing only 1,024 out of the intended 131,072 antennae. It serves as an exhilarating preview of the groundbreaking scientific discoveries that will become achievable once this facility becomes the planet’s most potent radio observatory.
SKA-Low is among the two telescopes currently being built by the SKA Observatory (SKAO). It will be jointly hosted in Australia and South Africa for the benefit of its member countries and international scientists.
The image covers a section of the sky measuring roughly 25 square degrees, comparable to about 100 full moons. Within this field, you can observe approximately 85 of the most luminous galaxies in that area, each hosting a supermassive black hole.
Once finished, the same patch of sky will disclose significantly more detail, with calculations indicating that the telescope should be capable of capturing over 600,000 galaxies within a single image for researchers to study.
The image was generated utilizing data gathered from the initial set of four interconnected SKA-Low stations. These units collectively make up the first 1,024 out of the total two-meter-tall metallic antennas planned for SKA-Low. Over the last year, these installations have been placed at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara within the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory located on Wajarri Yamaji land. This setup represents only a fraction—less than one percent—of what will be the complete telescope array.
Dr. George Heald, the lead commissioning scientist for SKA-Low, expressed his delight at seeing the excellent performance of the initial four stations functioning together.
"The quality of this image surpassed our expectations, even with such an early version of the telescope," Dr. Heald stated.
He stated, "The luminous galaxies visible in this image are merely the tip of the iceberg. Once the complete telescope is operational, we will possess the necessary sensitivity to uncover even the dimmest and farthest galaxies, tracing back to the era when the earliest stars and galaxies began to take shape."
This task is inherently challenging, but it represents the initial step towards unleashing the incredible scientific possibilities that lie ahead."
Dr. Sarah Pearce, the director of the SKA-Low Telescope, stated that the team attained remarkable outcomes, crediting this success to the collective efforts of numerous skilled and dedicated individuals working together across various teams, organizations, and continents.
"Reaching this stage has involved engineers, astronomers, and computer scientists from across the globe who have been working tirelessly for many years. It's incredible to witness how their efforts are now coming together to provide us with our initial look at the stunning images that will be produced by SKA-Low, offering us an unprecedented view of the universe," she stated.
The SKA telescopes consist of SKA-Low located in the distant region of Western Australia and its partner, SKA-Mid, situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape. These arrays merge the information gathered from separate antennas positioned across vast areas, functioning collectively like a single massive observatory.
Professor Philip Diamond, the SKAO Director-General, stated that the image marked the beginning of the observatory as a scientific institution.
He stated that through this image, they interpreted it as a pledge from the SKA Observatory, now opening its eyes to the cosmos.
This initial image represents a crucial milestone for both the observatory and the astronomical community; it shows that our system is functioning correctly," he stated. "As additional telescopes, stations, and antennas become operational, we will witness significant improvements in these images, ultimately harnessing the complete potential of the SKAO.
The construction of the SKA telescopes is taking place in phases, involving contributions from various components provided bySKAO member nations across the globe.
In Australia, SKA-Low is being constructed alongside the country's national science agency, CSIRO. Over the coming two years—partway through its build—it will expand considerably to become the globe's biggest low-frequency radio telescope.
The SKAO recognizes and pays tribute to the Indigenous peoples and their cultures who historically resided on the territories where our facilities stand. This information was gathered at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, part of the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. Both the SKAO and CSIRO respect the Wajarri Yamaji people as the Traditional Owners and holders of Native Title for the observatory location.
The SKAO is an international organization involving Member States and partnering organizations across five continents, with its headquarters located in the United Kingdom.
The organization aims to construct and manage state-of-the-art radio telescopes with the purpose of revolutionizing our comprehension of the cosmos and providing societal advantages via worldwide cooperation and groundbreaking advancements. The two telescopes currently being built in Australia and South Africa will become the most sophisticated radio observatories on the planet.
In conjunction with various leading-edge research centers, the SKAO's observatories will investigate uncharted territories in science and enhance our comprehension of crucial phenomena such as galaxy development and transformation, fundamental physics under extreme conditions, and the emergence of life.
By advancing cutting-edge technologies and tackling major social issues, the SKAO will contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to provide substantial advantages for its members and extend these benefits further globally.
GNA
MA/CAA