Name of the Project
Hirax telescope project.
Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Client
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Astrophysics & Cosmology Research Unit.
Project Description
The Hirax, or Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment, involves the construction of a radio telescope. One of the key research areas of the Hirax is the investigation of mysterious dark energy, which is theorised to provide the energy for accelerated expansion of the universe.
The Hiraz could also deliver unprecedented research into fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs are thought to be related to powerful magnetic neutron stars called magnetars or the spinning remains of dead stars, known as pulsars.
Very few repeating FRBs have been found, leading to speculation that they are random events.
The Hirax includes 1 024 dishes, each 6 m in diameter.
Several of these dishes have been installed in the Karoo, near the MeerKAT project. MeerKAT will be used in partnership with Hirax to study neutral hydrogen, as astronomers work to map the expansion of the universe and understand the density of galaxies.
Building the radio telescope will be the UKZN’s legacy project.
Potential job creation
Not stated.
Value
R70-million.
Duration
Not stated.
Latest Developments
The radio telescope was launched on August 17.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
UKZN Astrophysics & Cosmology Research Unit, tel +27 31 260 8078 or fax 031 260 8291.