MWA

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a radically new type of radio telescope, with no moving parts, and dependent on prodigious computer power to create exquisite real-time wide-field images of the radio sky. Observing at frequencies from 80 to 300 MHz and located in the radio-quiet Western Australia Outback, the MWA will observe with unprecedented sensitivity to discover low-frequency radio phenomena that have never been seen before. The MWA is an international project involving a large array of institutions from Australia, U.S., and India. The Astronomy NCRIS contribution is $4.6M.

Status

Field integration and commissioning of the 32 antenna system was successfully completed in early 2010 and the Test and Verification Report was accepted by AAL. Also in early 2010, the MWA Project Plan was approved by AAL.

In April 2010 AAL signed a deed of variation to the NCRIS sub contract with Curtin University of Technology to release the $4.6M NCRIS funding.

Phase 2 of the project began in May 2010, with the start of the expansion of the array to the planned 512 tiles. The build out of the array is scheduled to be completed in October 2011.