South Africa Takes a Giant Leap in Radio Astronomy with MeerKAT's EVN Integration
In a dazzling display of scientific prowess, South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope has officially joined the ranks of the esteemed European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (EVN), marking a significant milestone in the field of radio astronomy. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) of South Africa recently celebrated this achievement, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and international partners.
The integration of MeerKAT into the EVN is a game-changer for high-resolution radio astronomy. This collaboration enhances our understanding of the universe, allowing scientists from around the world to observe celestial phenomena like never before. For the first time, MeerKAT has participated fully in an EVN observation, operating as a true VLBI station alongside a constellation of other telescopes spread across the globe. This capability opens new avenues for scientific research and discovery.
Among the initial achievements of this collaboration are breathtaking images captured of energetic plasma jets radiating from the supermassive black hole J0123+3044. The unique sensitivity and strategic geographical positioning of MeerKAT in the Southern Hemisphere have contributed to these advanced observations, promising to shed light on some of the most complex cosmic events.
Prof. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, proudly remarked, “Integrating MeerKAT into the EVN marks a giant leap for precision radio astronomy. It exemplifies the power of international collaboration and lays crucial foundations for the future Square Kilometre Array-VLBI era.” His sentiments resonate with the passion and commitment driving South African science into the global spotlight.
The Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE), which coordinated this collaboration, played a pivotal role in data processing and image development. The recent 12-hour global observational session incorporated four hours of data from MeerKAT, significantly enhancing the north-south baselines of the VLBI array and sharpening image resolution immensely.
As South Africa continues to excel in radio astronomy, experts, including Ms. Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of SARAO, express enthusiasm for ongoing scientific advancements. “MeerKAT’s success in exploring the radio sky allows us to image some of the largest-scale structures in our universe, and our collaboration with JIVE underscores our commitment to harnessing the power of VLBI for groundbreaking discoveries,” she explained.
By participating in the expanding global network of VLBI, which includes top-tier arrays like MeerKAT and the upcoming SKA, South Africa is solidifying its role as a leader in the international scientific community. This collaboration showcases the immense potential of global scientific partnerships, setting the stage for transformative breakthroughs in our understanding of the cosmos.
The DSTI remains dedicated to supporting this thriving ecosystem, emphasizing that this achievement is not just a technological milestone—it’s a testament to global scientific unity, with South Africa proudly positioned at the forefront of exploring the universe’s secrets.
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With MeerKAT’s integration into the EVN, the appetite for innovation and discovery continues to flourish, paving the way for a brighter and more informed future for all of humanity.
