3.7-m Radio Telescope for Astronomy in Nigeria

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.

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.