Jodrell Bank chosen as base for largest radio telescope Radio telescopes An artist's

[4me2]

Jodrell Bank chosen as base for largest radio telescope


An artist's impression of telescope dishes at the heart of the network



Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire has been selected as the headquarters for a £1.3bn project to build the world's biggest radio telescope.
An agreement to run the Square Kilometre Array from Jodrell Bank was signed in Rome by Australia, China, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
SKA is designed to answer some key questions about the Universe.
Its location is undecided but could be built in Australia or Southern Africa.



Alien life

The new headquarters at Jodrell Bank will open in January 2012, superseding the existing project office at the University of Manchester.
Professor Richard Schilizzi, director SKA, said: "The move to Jodrell Bank Observatory comes at a crucial time as the project grows from a concept to an international mega-science project.
"The new location and facilities will support the significant expansion that is planned."
The Square Kilometre Array takes its name from the size of its collecting area. But instead of a single radio dish 1km across, it will be made up of thousands of smaller ones.



The Square Kilometre Array will give insights into the formation of the first stars


The total collecting area will be approximately one square kilometre giving 50 times the sensitivity, and 10,000 times the survey speed, of the best current-day telescopes, the SKA project said in a statement.
So far, partners from 20 countries are involved in the 1.5bn euros (£1.3bn) project, which is not expected to be completed until about 2024.
It is hoped the array will reveal how planets and galaxies are born, give clues the nature of dark energy and help to detect signs of alien civilisations.
Professor John Womersley, chair of the SKA Founding Board, said: "Given the current economic environment, it is reassuring that so many partners have recognised the importance of supporting the SKA.
"Our partners have taken this step not only because of the inspirational nature of the discoveries that the SKA will make, but also because of the economic benefits that international mega-science projects can bring to participating countries."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12947435

[the.insane]

i wonder if they can get 26E on those dishes

[Mule]

Sounds good but as that's not where the array is being built then what does being the HQ actually entail?

[4me2]

Jodrell Bank to open new Discovery Centre – press launch


Press event – morning of Thursday 7th April from 9.15am at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Please contact the Press Office on 0161 275 8387 if you would like to attend.


he world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory will usher in a new era next week with the opening of its spectacular live science Discovery Centre.

Part of The University of Manchester, the Observatory has for many years been a much-loved visitor attraction, as well as a significant space research centre.

Recently shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jodrell Bank will now be able to welcome thousands more visitors every year.

The £3m project includes a new entrance building – the Planet Pavilion – and a new Space Pavilion for exhibitions and events.

It also includes a stylish glass-walled café with spectacular views of the iconic Lovell telescope, an education space and landscaping of the Gardens.

Its main aim is to inspire young scientists and connect them to cutting-edge research as it happens.

The project has been made possible by an investment of £1.9m by the NWDA and £1m by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) in the Northwest. An additional £600,000 of funding will come from The University of Manchester.

Dr Teresa Anderson, the Centre’s Director, said: “We’re delighted that our new Centre is opening bang on schedule and that it will be such an great experience for visitors. We’re really looking forward to welcoming lots of new people to Jodrell Bank in the next few months and years.

Dr Tim O’Brien, Reader in Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, said : ‘This is a great day for Jodrell Bank. The new Centre showcases the live science that happens here with new exhibitions focused on some of the big questions we’re trying to answer about the Universe.’

The Centre will officially open to the public on Monday 11th April.

A new website will be launched on Monday 4th April, please visit www.jodrellbank.net


http://www.biosciencetechnology.com/...centre-press-/

[Zippeyrude]

An additional £600,000 of funding will come from The University of Manchester.

I bet their students will be having to pay the full £9000 fees!