ASKAP Frequently Asked Questions
Quickly find out more about ASKAP with answers to these 'frequently asked questions':
What will ASKAP look like?
ASKAP will be a next-generation radio telescope incorporating novel receiver
technologies and leading-edge ICT systems. It will be made up of 36 identical
antennas, each 12 metres in diameter, that will work together as a single
instrument or interferometer. Read more.
Why build ASKAP?
ASKAP will capture radio images with unprecedented sensitivity over large areas
of sky. This combination of survey speed and sensitivity will allow astronomers
to answer some fundamental questions about the creation and early evolution of
our Universe, and to test theories of cosmic magnetism and predictions from
Einstein's theory of general relativity. Read more.
Where will ASKAP be located?
The Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in the Mid West region of
Western Australia will be home to ASKAP. This region has been identified as
ideal for a new radio observatory: it is a remarkably 'quiet' site with a small
population and a lack of human-made radio signals that would interfere with weak
astronomical radio signals. Read more.
When will ASKAP be built?
Construction of ASKAP's first antenna started in 2009. A prototype of ASKAP's
unique radio 'camera', or phased array feed, is currently being
tested. The first six antennas, also called BETA (for Boolardy Engineering
Test Array), are due to be operating by 2011 and the complete ASKAP system is
expected to be completed by 2013.
Who is involved in ASKAP?
Development of ASKAP is being led by CSIRO in collaboration with scientists and
engineers in The Netherlands, Canada and the USA, as well as colleagues from
Australian universities and industry partners. Once built, ASKAP will form part
of CSIRO's Australia Telescope National Facility along with existing telescopes
at Parkes, Narrabri and Mopra. Once finished, ASKAP will be used by astronomers
from around the world. Read more.
How is ASKAP related to the SKA?
In addition to being a world-leading telescope in its own right, ASKAP is an
important technology demonstrator for the international Square Kilometre Array
(SKA) radio telescope. ASKAP's home, the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory
(MRO), is also the candidate 'core' site in Australia and New Zealand's bid for
the SKA. Read more.
Further Information