Square Kilometre Array
The SKA is a radio telescope intended to probe the cosmos for insights into gravity, relativity, and other astronomical projects. It comprises a collection of phased array antennae which collectively form a single telescope with an effective collection surface of a square kilometre, able to provide enormous amounts of data. The antennae will be located in multiple countries; sites are chosen for clear, interference-free air and access to resources and skills.
South Africa bid for the rights to host the project against an Australian/New Zealand consortium, Argentina, and China. South Africa and Australia were each awarded part of the contract, with SA hosting the majority of the project, providing a boost for the South African scientific community.
The SKA Organisation is a co-operation of 20 member countries, headquartered in the UK.
The project's budget is EUR1.5 billion, and is expected to commence construction in 2016, to yield results by 2019.
www.skatelescope.org
www.ska.ac.za
The South African site on Google Maps
SKA on Wikipedia
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has appointed a new astronomy director, after the position having been vacant for about 10 months.
Professor Ted Williams has been named the director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
NRF spokesperson Palesa Mokoena says Williams brings a wealth of experience, including research in observational extra-galactic astronomy and instrumentation development.
Williams had also held leadership positions at the Southern African Large Telescope (Salt) and Rutgers University Department of Physics and Astronomy, in New Jersey, in the US.
"Williams has served as director of the Graduate Programme and associate chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Rutgers, from 2002 to 2005, and again since 2010," says Mokoena.
The new director has also been involved in the development of Salt since its inception, serving on the board of directors since 1998 and as chairman since 2005.
"We believe that Professor Williams has the leadership skills and scientific vision to serve effectively as the director of the SAAO," says NRF CEO Albert van Jaarsveld.
Williams' appointment is effective from 1 January 2013.
Suspended director
Charles was suspended for discussing proposed sites for the SKA. This contravened policy, according to the NRF, and “caused undue distress”.
He was suspended from the NRF in January 2010. The charges were never made public and, on 12 March, he was cleared of any wrongdoing and re-instated in his post.
Charles returned to his position as chair of astronomy at Southampton University, which had been held open for him for the seven years he was in SA.
He decided in 2010 not to renew his contract after the charges brought against him. He vacated his post in September last year.
Taking account of the increased scale of both radio and optical astronomy investment in SA, the NRF board in July last year resolved that a fixed-term appointment of a suitably qualified and experienced astronomer to head the astronomy cluster within the NRF would be made.
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