Swiss precision for the world's largest radio telescope

SKAO antennas are currently being built at two sites: by 2030, over 300 antenna clusters will be erected in a spiral pattern over dozens of kilometres in the Western Australian outback. Each cluster consists of 256 identical, simply constructed antennas, resulting in a total of over 78,000 antennas. In the South African Karoo desert, 144 dishes measuring 15 metres in diameter each will be erected. Together, the two sites on two continents will form the most sensitive radio astronomy observatory ever built. Thanks to these highly sensitive instruments, scientists will be able to explore the earliest years of the universe, observe the birth and death of the first stars and gain a better understanding of the formation of the oldest galaxies.

Sensitive instruments

These instruments are also sensitive to human activities, in particular to electromagnetic radiation in the high-frequency range. Some cell phones, for example, emit location signals even when switched off. In the vicinity of the telescopes, these signals are strong enough to damage the built-in sensitive amplifiers.

While the antennas are being erected in South Africa, the MeerKAT radio telescope network, which has been active since 2018, will continue operation. This means that special precautionary measures are necessary. For example, cars or cranes are not allowed on the construction site without first being tested for radio frequency interference. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are completely prohibited, along with devices such as microwaves and angle grinders.