The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is the world's next-generation radio-astronomy observatory. Currently under construction, the SKAO will operate the 2 largest radio-telescope arrays in the world. The observatory is a global collaboration with partners on 5 continents and in both hemispheres.
The NRC represents Canada in the governance of the SKAO and provides financial contributions to ensure Canadian researchers have access to the telescopes. The NRC collaborates with domestic and international partners to deliver key observatory systems.
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SKA capabilities
The SKA telescopes are game-changers for radio astronomy: 2 world-leading, complementary radio telescopes on 2 continents, which will revolutionize our understanding of the universe and the laws of fundamental physics.
SKA-Low telescope
- From a remote site in Western Australia's Murchisonshire on the traditional lands of the Wajarri Yamaji, the SKA-Low telescope's array of 131,072 small, tree-like antennas will map the structure of the early universe for the first time. SKA-Low will observe the births and deaths of the first stars and help us understand how the earliest galaxies formed.
SKA-Mid telescope
- The SKA-Mid telescope in South Africa's Karoo region will consist of 197 parabolic dishes. SKA-Mid will be used to investigate many exciting areas of science, from timing pulsars and tracking gravitational waves, to searching for the signatures of life elsewhere in the galaxy.
The SKAO and Canadian science
For over 40 years, Canadian astronomers have been at the forefront of defining the fundamental science and necessary technologies for the SKA. Canadians have been actively involved in nearly all of the science working groups within the SKA, half of which have been chaired by Canadians. Providing both technical advice and key technological components, Canada has also been a key partner in the design and construction of the SKA Observatory.
In addition to being a cutting-edge radio astronomy observatory, the SKAO is one of the world's largest big data projects. Canada will be home to one of the SKA's regional centres, which will be part of the SKA Regional Centre Network. This global network of interoperating data centres will process and provide access to SKA astronomical data. Maintained by the NRC's Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, Canada's regional centre team will work with scientists across the country to make SKAO a truly inclusive, equal-access facility.
Opportunities for Canadian industry
As a member of the SKAO, Canada is guaranteed equal access to SKA procurement opportunities. Interested parties can be notified of all market surveys (expressions of interest), including tender timescales, an overview of technical requirements and the basic pre-qualification criteria that the SKAO will apply to develop the final shortlist of suppliers selected to take part in those tenders.
For more information or to discuss potential SKAO opportunities, please contact Canada's SKAO Industry Liaison Officer by email at SKA-CAN-IndustryLiaison-LiaisonIndustrie-SKA-CAN@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
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Locations
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
717 White Lake Road, Kaleden,
British Columbia, V0H 1K0
SKA-Low telescope
Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory
Boolardy Station,
Beringarra-Pindar Rd,
Murchison WA 6630,
Australia
SKA-Mid telescope
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory
2 Fir Street, Black River Park,
Observatory
7925, South Africa
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Contact us
Business inquiries
Industry Liaison
Email: SKA-CAN-IndustryLiaison-LiaisonIndustrie-SKA-CAN@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Scientific inquiries
Michael Rupen
SKA Program Lead
Email: Michael.rupen@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Kristine Spekkens
Canadian SKA Science Director
Email: kristine.spekkens@queensu.ca
Media inquiries
Media Relations
National Research Council of Canada
Email: NRC.MediaRelations-RelationsMedias.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Features
© SKAO
Canada becomes member of SKAO radio astronomy project
Canada is pleased to announce it is now a member of the SKAO
© SKAO
NRC signs cooperation agreement with SKAO
The NRC is supporting astronomical discovery in Canada and will deliver "the brain" behind one of the world's largest networks of radio telescopes.
© SKAO
Canada to become full member of SKAO project
Canadian astronomers will have access to one of the world's leading facilities, further strengthening Canada's reputation in astronomical discovery