The SKA key science projects
The SKA will be a flexible instrument designed to address a wide range of fundamental questions in physics, astrophysics, cosmology and astrobiology. It will be able to probe previously unexplored parts of the distant Universe.
Five key science projects have been selected:
Galaxy evolution, cosmology and dark energy
How do galaxies evolve and what is dark energy?
The acceleration in the expansion of the Universe has been attributed to a mysterious dark energy. The SKA will investigate this expansion after the Big Bang by mapping the cosmic distribution of hydrogen. The map will track young galaxies and help identify the nature of dark energy. more…
Strong-field tests of gravity using pulsars and black holes
Was Einstein right about gravity?
The SKA will investigate the nature of gravity and challenge the theory of general relativity. more…
The origin and evolution of cosmic magnetism
What generates the giant magnetic fields in space?
The SKA will create three-dimensional maps of cosmic magnets to understand how they stabilise galaxies, influence the formation of stars and planets, and regulate solar and stellar activity. more…
How were the first black holes and stars formed?
The SKA will look back to the Dark Ages, a time before the Universe lit up, to discover how the earliest black holes and stars were formed. more…
Are we alone?
The SKA will be able to detect very weak extraterrestrial signals and will search for complex molecules, the building blocks of life, in space. more…
Flexible design to enable exploration of the unknown
While this is truly exciting and transformational science, history has shown that many of the greatest discoveries have happened unexpectedly. The unique sensitivity and versatility of the SKA will make it a discovery machine.
We should be prepared for the possibilities.