SA bids for Square Kilometre Array South African scientists have submitted a bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), an enormous radio telescope that will enable astronomers to probe the early evolution of our galaxy, about 14 billion years after the universe began with the Big Bang. If South Africa were to win the bid, it would bring a massive injection of expertise and economic activity to the Northern Cape, with benefits for the local aluminium, computer, communications, electronics, and steel industries. The international project will cost about US$1-billion, and according to Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Minister Ben Ngubane, could generate as much as R500-million in foreign investment for South Africa. South Africa's offer to host the SKA was submitted in May to an international panel of experts who will select the host country based on a comprehensive set of criteria. The South African SKA has identified three sites in the Northern Cape, all three boasting radio interference-free zones of 150 kilometres, which far exceeds the requirement of 100 kilometre radio interference-free areas. They are in the Kalahari (north of Upington), in the Karoo (north of Carnarvon), and in Namaqualand (east of Springbok). South Africa faces competition from Australia, China and the US to host the SKA. A final decision is expected during 2005, while construction on the SKA will probably start in 2010. It's thought that Australia offers the stiffest competition, although South Africa's bid is likely to be the cheapest. Counting in Australia's favour is a well-established astronomy base and a larger geographical area in which to extend the SKA. Professor Justin Jonas, a radio astronomer based at Rhodes University, and a member of the South African bid's steering committee, says the southern hemisphere nations have an advantage over their northern hemisphere competitors. "The southern hemisphere is a winner, because we see more of the sky than the northern hemisphere. We are also in the same longitude as Europe, which means we see the same night sky, and can easily link up with facilities there", Jonas said. Some of the most important reasons why the Northern Cape is ideal include the "radio quietness" of the area (minimum radio interference from cellphone and radio networks), low population density and suitable topography. In addition to the location of the three identified sites, South Africa has the capabilities and track record to host, support, and contribute to the science that will be generated by this giant radio telescope.