WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin companies offering goods and services to the astronomy sector may find opportunities to collaborate.
Canada is now part of an international consortium that is studying the universe.
The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) calls itself the world’s next giant radio telescope. It is building sites in remote locations in Western Australia’s outback and in South Africa’s Karoo desert region.
Using cutting-edge technology, the telescopes are expected to be able to study the universe in great detail, including “the inner workings of galaxies, helping us to understand more about the extreme environments around black holes, tracking the journeys of gravitational waves, and enabling a whole host of other ambitious science investigations,” according to SKAO.
Organizations in 16 countries on five continents are involved. Participating countries are: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Even before becoming a member of SKAO, Canada has been a principal participant in the project since its start, about 20 years ago. The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre has been developing key technologies for SKA telescopes.
Canada is also involved in radio astronomy facilities in Penticton, British Columbia; Chile; and New Mexico.
Wisconsin companies in astronomy research may find opportunities to provide technology or services to Canadian scientists involved in SKAO operations.
