FREE DAILY EMAIL

Date : 14/11/2005
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: International Astronomical Union symposium


  Opening address by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the International Astronomical Union Symposium (IAU) on the Scientific Requirements for Extremely Large Telescopes, Cape Town

President and members of the Executive Committee of the International Astronomical Union;
Members of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) and its Executive Council;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen

Last week we celebrated the inauguration of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). The launch of this globally important facility was a significant step for the region and the world. Five years of planning and construction have already yielded scientific results as the project has released its first colour images, marking the achievement of 'first light' and the successful debut of full operation for Salticam, an advanced digital camera designed and built for SALT at the South African Astronomical Observatory. The images are truly remarkable.

We welcome you today, to this symposium of the IAU – the second to be held on our continent. We are confident of the formative impact of your collective efforts and insight as you examine the way forward for large telescopes.

We are here to further the work of science, the development of our country and region, and ultimately, humankind’s understanding of our place in time and space. You have arrived on the continent that has been proven to be the cradle of humankind and in the country that has witnessed democracy emerge from oppression in just one decade. South Africa is particularly pleased to have both the IAU and the IUPAP at this meeting. Indeed, this gathering is a true meeting of minds.

Scientific and technical interest in the 30 to 100m optical telescopes is clearly increasing. Many design studies are already underway. The co-operation and synergy of this meeting is therefore precisely what is needed now - to inform the process of developing Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). It is time to analyse what we have learnt from large telescopes and to clarify the scientific imperatives that must shape the next generation of ELTs.

SALT represents a milestone in South African astronomy. This 10m hexagonal mirror array telescope is the largest in the southern hemisphere and is equal to the largest in the world. Our country has already developed significant technical and scientific expertise through the SALT project, which is not only contributing to science but to human and economic growth in the region. While the SALT offers access to 70% of the sky, interestingly it was built at a cost of about 20% of the price-tag of a conventional telescope. Cost-saving therefore, is but one of the lessons learned in the five years since the inception of the project, which should inform the construction of new ELTs.

An important milestone for Southern African astronomy is embodied in the scientific successes of the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope. South Africa’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) global radio telescope facility is advancing apace. In order to develop the capacity and innovations that will underpin this activity, we have initiated a design and prototyping process for a world-class new generation array telescope - the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT).

Importantly, the SKA bid process has strengthened our cooperation with other countries on the continent that will be participating in the South African SKA bid. Similarly, the Astronomy Geographical Advantage Programme (AGAP) of South Africa is promoting high technology investment and ensures that local scientists are able to participate at the cutting edge of international astronomy.

An important spin-off from projects like SALT and gatherings such as this one today is the increase of public interest, especially South Africa's youth, in astronomy and sciences in general.

South Africa today stands at the knowledge frontier of the developing world. As a nation, we value the support of the IAU, which enables and facilitates the participation of astronomers globally. Collaboration is very important in frontier science projects and the IAU has been instrumental in the participation of South Africans in a variety of international projects. South Africa is indeed becoming a hub for global astronomy. The government actively supports and promotes collaboration in space science and astronomy. Strategic science investments and international partnerships are a priority, particularly within the context of participating in global initiatives. We have much to learn and we also have much to contribute.

But if facilities such as SALT, HESS and KAT are to be a success for Southern Africa, we must ensure that they are run exceptionally well and in accordance with the highest international standards. The fullest measure of success for these milestones in our scientific journey is their impact on our people and skills development. We must ensure that all communities are represented amongst the astronomers and engineers who work with these facilities. It is critical that we develop and nurture a strong local community of astronomers and encourage links with their international colleagues and partners.

The new generation of observing devices will have to find answers to the many challenging questions that still face us – the development of planetary systems, the early evolution of the universe, the curious nature of dark matter and energy, among others. Developments in astronomy and the engineering challenges of building new generation telescopes hold potential for new innovations and insights that will spin-off for the public good and in some cases change how we work and communicate. Every generation of humankind has looked up at the night sky and asked questions. We follow in that same tradition. The questions we ask are somewhat different but the motivation is the same – to understand and marvel at this place we call home.

We look forward to the input and debate at this symposium. May your deliberations and time in South Africa be fruitful and engaging as we build co-operation, share and expand knowledge and influence the next generation of telescopes and the questions they will answer.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
14 November 2005
   

SPONSORED BY

Advanced