Construction of a 3.7-m Radio Telescope for Promoting Astronomy in Nigeria
Project description
The University of Nigeria has produced several prominent radio astronomers. In order to increase the capability of the University to train young researchers and produce its own science GERAF has facilitated the purchase and installation of a 3.7-m radio telescope at the University in partnership with the Centre for Basic Space Science. As of 2024, thanks to successful fundraising and timely deliver, the project is complete!
Image of the 3.7-m system provided by POAM Electronics (credit: https://www.poamelectronics.com)
The GERA Foundation facilitated the purchase of a 3.7-m dish equipped with an L-band receiver which will be able to detect astrophysical maser emission from the births of massive stars, in addition to monitoring observations of a wide range of astrophysical phenomena including rapidly rotating magnetised compact objects known as pulsars and radio emission from the energetic jets launched from the vicinities of supermassive black holes in distant galaxies.
The system was acquired from POAM electronics and will be operated and used by the Centre for Basic Space Science and the University of Nigeria.
Maintaining and operating a radio telescope requires specialist skills that will be be gained by students and young researchers. Such skills are not only essential for conducting research into the radio universe, but also are transferrable into other booming industries such as electronic engineering and telecommunications. The goal of this project will be to provide a vector for socio-economic development, in addition to fostering the next generation of radio astronomers in Nigeria who will become key persons for upcoming large facilities operating in Africa such as MeerKAT, the Square Kilometre Array, and the African VLBI Network.
Cost of the project
Radio Telescope £25,000
Overheads £1,600
Total: £26,600 ($45,000 CAD)
Circa 2024, the full cost to complete the acquisition and installation of the 3.7-m telescope has been raised!
Major donations from research and industry have boosted the financial feasibility of the construction. We show our deepest gratitude to:
The Centre for Basic Space Science (website)
The Dunlap Institute (website)
Individual supporters via GoFundMe
Special thanks to:
Crystal Brogan
Tom Burns
Gabor Orosz
Hannah Bateman
Suzanne Cousins
Duka Suke
Randall Smith
Lia Corrales
Thomas Mbock Singock
Ajay Gill
Aaron Richardson
Location of the CBSS and telescope site
Recent Updates (circa 2023)
The parts for the telescope have been arranged and are preparing to ship to the UK where PAOM Electronics will arrange the receiver system and confirm the instrument for shipping to Nigeria once the full payment is complete.
The telescope main stand body
Panels for the dish surface
The telescope assembled
Recent Updates (circa 2024)
The 3.7m radio telescope is now fully operational
Construction of the parabolic reflector panels.
GERAF Director James O. Chibueze was on site to personally help with assmebly of the primary reflector dish.
The primary reflector was then hoisted on to it’s stand.
Students and engineers gather on the roof at the University of Nigeria campus.
A huge milestone.
Thanks to contributions, support and effort, the 3.7 m radio telescope begins operations as an education and professional research instrument at the University of Nigeria.