First light for Square Kilometre Array (SKA) prototype telescope

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SKAMPI, a prototype telescope of SKA Observatory (SKAO) constructed in South Africa achieved first light, demonstrating its potential.

First light is a new astronomical instrument’s first use that results in an image.

It is an intergovernmental organization composed of member states and partners from five continents and is headquartered in United Kingdom.
- 9 Member Countries: Australia, China, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and UK.
- Prospective Members (In process): Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, and Sweden.
It aims to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes and its two telescopes are currently under construction in Australia’s Murchison Shire and South Africa’s Karoo.
- These will cover two different frequency ranges and are located in radio quiet zones, protecting them from interference from the ground.
Both SKA telescopes have been designed to work as a single enormous virtual telescope using interferometry.
- Interferometry uses large numbers of smaller antennas connected together by optical fibre networks.
Its science goals include exploring evolution of universe, tracking gravitational waves, and studying cosmic magnetism.

India is in process to become a member of SKAO and is providing funding support of around ₹1250 crores for its construction phase.
- This will be jointly funded by Department of Atomic Energy (Lead Agency) and Department of Science and Technology.
India has contributed actively to the pre-construction phase of the SKA telescopes.
India’s participation will open up possibilities for development of niche skills in Indian industry and research organizations in next-generation technologies like modern antenna design, high performance super-computing technologies etc.