ナイジェリアの天文学促進のため3.7メートル電波望遠鏡を建設
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 been aiding plans to purchase and instal a 3.7-m radio telescope at the University in partnership with the Centre for Basic Space Science.
Image of the 3.7-m system provided by POAM Electronics (credit: https://www.poamelectronics.com)
Current plans are to purchase a 3.7-m dish equipped with a C-band receiver which will be able to detect methanol 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 will be 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)
The full cost to complete the acquisition and installation of the 3.7-m telescope has been negotiated and the financial support will be raised in partnerships with supporting bodies and donations from enthusiastic members of the public.
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
($8,459 CAD) (website)
The Dunlap Institute
($10k CAD) (website)
Annonymous donator
($17,362 CAD)
Individual supporters via GoFundMe
($1,235 CAD) (GoFundMe)
Current total raised: £37,056 / $45,000
To contribute to building a 3.7-m ratio telescope in Nsukka, Nigeria, and to gain updates on construction updates promoted by your support please visit our GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/37m-radio-telescope-for-astronomy-in-nigeria
Location of the CBSS and prospective telescope site
Recent Updates (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
Contribute and become involved
Contributions to this project will help fund the purchase and installation of the 3.7-m radio telescope which will be built at the University of Nigeria. Contributors will have the option to receive updates about the progress of the telescope acquisition, installation and commissioning.
We are grateful for any donation contributions toward completing this project. Support can be given via our campaign on GoFundMe