Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder is a radio telescope with 36 identical parabolic antennas, each measuring 12 meters across, distributed across approximately 6 kilometers of terrain. The antennas work together to receive and analyze signals from space.

Construction of this advanced radio telescope began in 2009, with scientists achieving first successful observations in October 2012. The facility was built at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia.

The facility sits on the traditional lands of the Wajarri Yamaji People, who hold strong connections to this region. The local community participates in the scientific work and discoveries made here.

The site is located in a remote region with minimal infrastructure, so plan ahead and allow extra time for travel. Visitors should contact local authorities to arrange access and learn about the best times to visit the area.

The facility mapped three million galaxies in the southern sky during approximately 300 hours of observation and discovered one million previously unknown celestial objects. These discoveries help scientists better understand the structure and history of the universe.

Location: Western Australia

Inception: 2009

Official opening: October 5, 2012

Part of: Square Kilometre Array, Australia Telescope National Facility, Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory

Website: http://atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap

GPS coordinates: -26.69600,116.63700

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:56