Galaxy

• In the heart of this landscape, near the small Northern Cape town of Carnarvon, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory operates a technological marvel that has transformed our understanding of the cosmos.
• The MeerKAT radio telescope has unlocked cosmic mysteries.
• Read more:
  How the SKA telescope is boosting South Africa's knowledge economy

  Over the past five years, MeerKAT has made remarkable contributions to both South African and international science.

• Here are just four of MeerKAT’s major breakthroughs that I’ve been involved in, and why the findings matter for our understanding of the Universe.

Fascinating findings

• This allowed our team to see for the first time magnetic filaments that surround the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy.
• A supermassive black hole is an extremely dense object with the mass of a million suns.
• The research provided valuable insights into the dynamic processes that shape the galactic environment.
• The Laduma, Mightee and Mhongoose surveys aim to map the distribution of galaxies and neutral hydrogen gas.

Growth and learning

• Members of local communities around the site have been employed during both the construction and operation stages.
• Engagements with those communities, and particularly with schools in the area, are breaking down barriers to participation in astronomy.
• For instance, I have been able to collaborate with astronomers from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands and the US.

Ed Elson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.