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Kuwait to build first
radio observatory in the Mideast
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Science Club has been granted funding for the
construction of the first research-grade radio observatory in the
Middle East, Kuwait National Radio Observatory (KNRO). The
observatory will be dedicated to the study of radio astronomy.
Unlike optical telescopes, the radio telescope receives and process
radio waves emitted by celestial objects. Radio waves are part of
the electromagnetic spectrum, just like visible light but at a much
lower frequency. In fact, the visible light spectrum only occupies a
tiny section of the electromagnetic spectrum. Scientists analyse
these radio waves to gain a better understating on the evolution and
dynamics of our universe.
"It is a very exciting project," said Jasem Mutlaq, Director of KNRO
and a radio astronomer, "KNRO will enable us to unlock the mysteries
of the universe, from distant quasars to the elusive dark matter. By
gaining a better understanding of the universe, we gain a better
understating of ourselves."
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Radio astronomy is a relatively new scientific discipline that
employs radio waves to probe astrophysical phenomena from
interstellar gas to extragalactic quasars. Since the dawn of radio
astronomy in the 1930s, it has played a crucial role in developing
our modern understanding of astrophysics. Most famously, the 2.725K
cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation was discovered by
Penzias and Wilson at Bell Labs in 1965, using radio
telecommunications equipment. Penzias and Wilson soon realised that
the pervasive signal they were detecting in their antenna was the
faint afterglow of the Big Bang, the very fires of creation. Radio
telescopes are also responsible for the discovery of quasars
(accreting black holes at the centres of distant galaxies) and
pulsars (magnetised neutron stars, the remnants of exploded stars).
Mona Anbar, director of the Astronomy Department in the Science
Club, stressed the importance of this vital project "Kuwait has
always been a leader in supporting grand scientific projects," she
said "and KNRO will put Kuwait in bar with first world countries in
the pursue of scientific knowledge." As a cutting edge
research-grade radio telescope facility, KNRO will perform a
long-term research program investigating the distribution and
kinematics of Hydrogen gas in our Milky Way galaxy. At the same
time, KNRO will fulfil a parallel educational mission, providing a
unique and hands-on introduction to science, computers and
mathematics to students at all levels. The telescope facility is
currently under construction and will take six months to complete.
For more information visit the website
http://www.astronomy.ksclub.org
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