Daily Current Affairs : 4-January-2024

In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has given the green light to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, marking a significant stride in international collaboration for the development of the world’s largest radio telescope. This ambitious endeavor encompasses contributions from several nations, including India, which has committed financial support to the project.

Nature of Project and India’s Involvement

The SKA project focuses on the establishment of the world’s largest radio telescope, with the existing Giant Metre wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) playing a pivotal role in the endeavor. India, having joined SKAO as an Associate Member in 2012, has been actively engaged in the pre-construction phase of the SKA telescopes, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge astronomical research.

Participating Countries and the Observatory Structure

The international consortium driving the SKA project involves countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK, which hosts the project’s headquarters. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), an intergovernmental organization headquartered in the UK, will oversee the project. SKAO’s structure includes one global observatory with two telescopes operating across three sites – two in radio-quiet locations in South Africa and Australia, functioning as a unified and extensive observational unit.

Project Objectives and Construction Phases

The primary objectives of the SKA project are to study galaxies in the universe, map visible galaxies with unprecedented detail, gather data on the evolution of our galaxy, and search for potential signs of extraterrestrial life, including the detection of gravitational waves. The project is set to unfold in two phases, with SKA1 construction commencing in December 2022 and operations anticipated to commence by 2029.

Key Activities and the Path Ahead

Key activities under the SKA project involve the rapid scanning of the skies, detailed mapping of visible galaxies, and the collection of survey data offering insights into the early evolution of our galaxy. Additionally, the project will actively contribute to the search for extraterrestrial life. As the construction phases progress, the SKA project holds the promise of unlocking the secrets of the cosmos, contributing significantly to humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Important Points:
  • Nature of Project and India’s Involvement:
    • Development of the world’s largest radio telescope
    • Giant Metre wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) plays a crucial role
    • India joined SKAO in 2012 as an Associate Member
    • Active participation in the pre-construction phase
  • Participating Countries and Observatory Structure:
    • Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, UK
    • SKAO headquartered in the UK
    • One global observatory with two telescopes across three sites
    • SKA telescopes in radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia, operating as a unified unit
  • Project Objectives and Construction Phases:
    • Study galaxies in the universe
    • Map visible galaxies with unprecedented detail
    • Provide data on the evolution of our galaxy
    • Search for signs of extraterrestrial life, including detecting gravitational waves
    • Two phases – SKA1 construction started in December 2022, operations expected by 2029
  • Key Activities and the Path Ahead:
    • Rapid scanning of the skies
    • Detailed mapping of visible galaxies
    • Collection of survey data for insights into the early evolution of our galaxy
    • Search for extraterrestrial life
    • The SKA project promises to unlock the secrets of the cosmos and contribute significantly to humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Why In News

The Union Cabinet has recently granted its approval to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the world’s largest radio telescope, emphasizing its commitment to international collaboration; India is actively participating in this groundbreaking initiative with a significant financial commitment.

MCQs about SKA

  1. What is the primary objective of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?
    A. Explore deep-sea ecosystems
    B. Study galaxies in the universe
    C. Develop advanced AI technologies
    D. Investigate climate change in polar regions
    Correct Answer: B. Study galaxies in the universe
    Explanation: The SKA project aims to study galaxies in the universe, mapping them with unprecedented detail and searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.
  2. Which country is NOT part of the international collaboration for the SKA project?
    A. Australia
    B. China
    C. Brazil
    D. Sweden
    Correct Answer: C. Brazil
    Explanation: Brazil is not mentioned as one of the participating countries in the SKA project.
  3. What role has India played in the SKA project?
    A. Sole financial supporter
    B. Observer status since 2012
    C. Associate Member actively participating in pre-construction
    D. Leading the construction phase
    Correct Answer: C. Associate Member actively participating in pre-construction
    Explanation: India joined SKAO as an Associate Member in 2012 and has actively participated in the pre-construction phase.
  4. When did the construction of SKA1 commence, and when are its operations expected to begin?
    A. Construction started in 2020, operations in 2025
    B. Construction started in 2022, operations expected by 2029
    C. Construction began in 2018, operations by 2022
    D. Construction initiated in 2023, operations estimated by 2030
    Correct Answer: B. Construction started in 2022, operations expected by 2029
    Explanation: SKA1 construction started in December 2022, with operations anticipated to commence by 2029.

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