Cosmology, Fundamental Physics and Astrophysics with the Square Kilometre Array and its precursors

by Prof. John Conway (Chalmers)

Tuesday 29 Nov 2022, 13:15 → 14:15 Europe/Stockholm

Lecture room 18 (Hus 2)

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope array, whose elements are currently being constructed in Australia and South Africa,  will be the next next huge step in centimetre and metre wavelength radio astronomy. The SKA is designed to be a cornerstone of 21st century astronomy working together with other major instruments such as the ELT, Vera Rubin telescope, JWST, ALMA, NgVLA, X-ray and other satelite missions. The main science goals of the SKA will be presented, concentrating on areas of likely special interest to Swedish physicists and astronomers within cosmology, fundamental physics and extreme astrophysics.  The SKA is expected to be fully constructed by 2028 but with Science Verification proposals to use the partially complete SKA already due by early 2026. In addition several SKA pathfinder/precursor telescopes are already fully operational and producing outstanding results. The opportunities and support available for Swedish astronomers to become involved in the formation of SKA Key Science Projects within the next three years will be described.