Canada has pledged C$269 million (around R3.7 billion) over eight years to join the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the world’s most powerful radio telescope. This international collaboration is building the telescope in two locations: South Africa and Australia.
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“Canada has a long history of astronomical leadership,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Membership in the SKA observatory will grant Canadian researchers access to this groundbreaking tool, helping us unravel the mysteries of the universe.”
The SKA Organisation, comprised of 15 member countries including Canada, oversees the project. Their goal is to construct a next-generation radio telescope with a massive data collection area (one square kilometre of sky). This enhanced capability will revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.
The colossal SKA receivers are situated in radio quiet zones of South Africa and Australia, specifically chosen to minimize interference from human-made signals like cell phones and TV broadcasts.
Canada, although not a previous member, has collaborated with the SKA Organisation for over two decades. This investment solidifies their full membership status.
“Canada’s contributions to the SKA project over the past 20 years have been invaluable,” stated Phil Diamond, SKA Organisation Director-General. “We are thrilled to welcome them as our newest member, expanding the observatory’s reach into North America.”
