SKA goes ZA!

[mishku]

Perhaps I'm a little behind in news, but my darling aunt from Cape Town just sent me a triumphant email saying

"WE GOT IT!!!!"

I know we've seen the updates from earlier this month re: site selection, and we all sort of knew anyway... but the website doesn't appear to have been updated yet, so I'm wondering what she knows that the website isn't yet telling us?

http://www.skatelescope.org/

Well done, ZA!! :2thumbs:

[astronut]

Nothing official has been reported...the instrument site is still up for grabs.
But it appears that Southern Africa will get the nod.
An unfortunate decision, if it goes that way.
Australia is the best choice.....our larger site will allow a larger array to be built...we are a politically and socially stable nation...and we are ONE nation.
If it goes the other way, up to SEVEN nations will have control over The SKA.
Africa is not exactly a doyen of stability in any guise, and I can see this project being held for ransom by any number of the tinpot dictators that run those countries.:mad2:

[JB80]

I have had a good search around and there is zero info on any deciesion being made as yet, that's not to say your Aunt is not correct however.
I guess we will still have to wait and see.

[gary]

On April 4th, the SKA Organization met in the Netherlands and
agreed to set up a small working group to explore the possibility
of using both sites. The working group will report back in mid-May.

The final site decision is subject to a vote by the members of
China, Italy, The Netherlands and England.

That vote is yet to be taken. It is anticipated to take place around
May/June 2012.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not get an opportunity
to cast votes. Several other countries are members and several
new ones have recently joined, including India, Canada and Germany,
but they also do not get the opportunity to vote on the final site
selection.

Your aunt might be picking up on an old story from 10th March 2012,
where Daniel Flitton reported in the Sydney Morning Herald that
the original Site Advisory Committee report favoured the South African bid
by a thin margin.
See also -
http://www.nature.com/news/south-africa-wins-science-panel-s-backing-to-host-ska-telescope-1.10205

This thread includes additional background information and news -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=86832&highlight=waiting+game

[mswhin63]

Gary,

I can confirm this attending a presentation that further suggested this decision could still take months.

Unfortunately with decision close it bring to the forground that many people are starting to make assumption presented by the media. The media unfortunately cannot be trusted.

[astronut]

Unfortunately, politics is going to have a big say in the decision.
With the African countries being seen as "Emerging Nations"...the sympathy vote may well win out in the end.....with The SKA going to the second best site.

[Peter Ward]

With the current crop of clowns running Asutralia, we could try a "submerging nation" ploy...... :lol:

[astronut]

Now that's another story, Peter!!...:lol::lol::lol:

[Jen]

Hey Mish :hi:go tell that aunt of yours we want proof hehehehehe :D

[DavidTrap]

Political comment!! Political comment!!! Warning, warning!!! This thread will be locked in five seconds!!!

:rofl:

DT