Radio Astronomy&

The Government of Western Australia

A Beautiful Friendship

Kelly Kranz LittleThe Office of Science and Innovation

Introducing OSI

• The Office of Science and Innovation was created in 2002 by Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, Minister for Science.

• The Government of WA, through OSI, is committed to supporting Radio Astronomy in WA.

• Why? Because WA can offer Australia radio astronomy a competitive edge

Our History

• OSI and the Government of WA has a history of working with astronomy organizations on projects such as:– SKA– LOFAR– MWA– ESA Deep Space Ground Station

• Only state government body to be a member of the 2001 MNRF ‘Gemini and SKA: Australia’s Astronomy Future’

Astronomy in WA

Perth Observatory,Bickley

Australian International Gravitational Observatory,

Gingin

ESA Deep Space Ground Station,

New Norcia

Future Radio Observatory & SKA site,

Mileura

Ionospheric Prediction Service,

Learmoth

Mileura

• Government Land (Pastoral Lease)

• Low population density extremely radio quiet

• Excellent location:

– Sky coverage– Remote…yet not too far – Array configuration

Mileura

• Government Land (Pastoral Lease)

• Low population density extremely radio quiet

• Excellent location:

– Sky coverage– Remote…yet not too far – Array configuration

Current Activities and Plans

Government Interaction• OSI are facilitators and co-ordinators

Current Activities and Plans

Steps to establishing an observatory…

• Radio Quiet Zone• Mining Act (Section 19)• Land Administration Act

Current Activities and Plans

Financial Support for Infrastructure

• Optical Fibre• Power• Roads• Buildings…etc

Current Activities and Plans

Support for the Science

• Premier’s Fellowship in Radio Astronomy• WA Supercomputing Project• Facilitating Outreach

Current Activities and Plans

Support for the Science

• Premier’s Fellowship in Radio Astronomy– Expressions of Interest open 24/12/04 and close 28/2/05

• WA Supercomputing Project• Facilitating Outreach

2006-2015 Decadal Plan

Message:

• Recognize that the Mileura site will become one of the top radio observatories in the world.

2006-2015 Decadal Plan

• Interest is already being generated for potential projects to be located at the Mileura site.

Message:

• Help us decide which projects should be allowed on site to ensure that wonderful science will happen.

2006-2015 Decadal Plan

Message:

• Help us to build up a generation of astronomers, physicists and technologists positioned in Perth and regional areas to take full advantage of the SKA being located in WA.

Talk to us!