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Future Prospects for Radio Telescopes?

-- | November 27, 2014

Question: I was wondering if there are any future prospects or developmental plans for radio telescopes and if so what are they? — Amy

Answer: As you can probably imagine, the pace of science discoveries moves rather quickly, and we try to keep up with that pace by continually developing new instruments. In addition to regular updates to existing radio telescope observatories, one of the biggest projects currently in development is an observatory called the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). The SKA will be the largest radio telescope in the world, with a square kilometer of collecting area that is comprised of a large number of smaller radio telescopes which are connected electronically to form an interferometer. This new facility should revolutionize what we know about the universe at radio wavelengths. Pretty cool!

Jeff Mangum

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.