Australia wants Indian participation in Square Kilometre Array project

Mumbai: Australia would like Indian scientists to join it in building the "world's biggest" telescope, its minister for innovation, industry, science and research, senator Kim Carr said on Monday. "We want Indian scientists to participate in the prestigious project of world's largest telescope - Square Kilometre Array (SKA)," Carr told media.

Minister Carr will broach Indian participation in the project in his talks with India's department of science and technology today.

The SKA is a new generation radio telescope with a discovery potential 10,000 times greater than the most sophisticated present day instruments. It will present astronomers with remarkable insights into the formation of the early Universe, including the emergence of the first stars, galaxies and other structures, he said.

Australian astronomers are regular visitors to the India's Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) facility located near Pune.

Earlier this month, the Australian government announced $40.2 million in support of the country's bid to host the world's biggest telescope. The amount will be provided over four years to support Australia's bid to host the SKA in partnership with New Zealand.

This funding will support pre-construction design and development work if the bid is successful, Carr said. South Africa too has agreed to join the project, he said.