Data and computing for radio astronomy to be given a two million dollar boost by Pawsey and HPE

The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth will soon get a huge data processing boost from a new 78-node cluster to be provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).  

The new cluster will provide astronomers with a dedicated system to process over 30 petabytes (PB) of data from the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). The cluster will also deliver enhanced GPU capabilities to power AI, computational work, machine learning workflows and data analytics.

Up until now, MWA and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) have been supported by the existing Pawsey supercomputer, Galaxy. According to Pawsey Executive Director, Mark Stickells, this vital upgrade will allow Pawsey to keep up with increased demand for data processing and deliver a service tailored to Australian astronomers. 

“Procurement of the new MWA cluster was the result of a thorough consultation process with key stakeholders and will provide the best system possible to respond to the specific needs of MWA telescope users,” he said. At AAL, we are delighted by the new opportunities this upgrade will provide to Australian astronomers. 

​Commissioning of the new MWA cluster system is expected to be finalised by the second half of 2020. Please click here to read more about the upgrade from Pawsey.