Aerial view of Armagh Observatory

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THE UKSC AND SALT
'Africa's Giant Eye'
Aerial view of Armagh Observatory
Why Astronomy?
The UKSC
International Collaboration
Astronomy provides a singular perspective on our
place in the Universe, addressing fundamental
questions such as the origin of the Earth, the
origin of Life and Are we Alone?. Astronomical
research the principal function of the UKSC
partners plays an increasingly important role
in modern society. As an educational tool
astronomy attracts and maintains the interest of
young people. It provides clean examples of the
use of science and technology, and contributes to
a growing understanding of global environmental
change. Modern astronomy is an involving,
inspirational activity with a unique ability to
spark the imagination and to attract young people
towards science and engineering.

• Six institutes across the UK joined to form the
  UK SALT Consortium (UKSC) and to provide funding
  to help build the SALT. The members of the UKSC
  are
• University of Central Lancashire
  www.uclan.ac.uk
• University of Southampton www.phys.soton.ac.uk
  
• University of Nottingham www.nottingham.ac.uk
  
• Armagh Observatory www.arm.ac.uk
• University of Keele www.astro.keele .ac.uk
• Open University www.phys.open.ac.uk

International Partners in SALT currently include
universities and research institutes in the UK,
South Africa, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, and
the USA
Digging in VIPs taking part in the ceremony
signalling the start of SALT construction.
Collateral Benefits
The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT)
Scientists engaging in basic research contribute
immeasurably to the intellectual vibrancy of
society, contributing to a strong RD base and
providing conditions for that society to
participate in, and sometimes lead, scientific
and technological projects of global significance.
Flags of SALT partners at the ground-breaking
ceremony near Sutherland.
The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT ) is
funded by partners all over the world and will be
the largest single telescope in the southern
hemisphere. With a hexagonal mirror array 11
metres across SALT will be able to record distant
stars, galaxies and quasars a billion times too
faint to be seen with the unaided eye as faint
as a candle flame at the distance of the moon.
Increased Science Education and Public
Outreach contributing to development of a
more scientifically literate
population Increased Creative Potential
astronomy sparks the imagination, rekindles
the ability to wonder you become
like a seven or eight year old
again High level Scientific Exchange
involvement in joint international projects,
puts the UKSC, SALT partners and South
Africa on the international stage
encourages co-operation and mutual
understanding of cultural diversity Shared
Cultural Heritage improved knowledge and
appreciation of the UK and South Africas
contribution to international astronomy
Scientific Benefits
Sutherland is an excellent astronomical site with
good facilities. Together with SALT, it gives
South Africa and its partners many opportunities
to maintain and improve their position at the
forefront of astronomy, space science and
technology. In particular, the new telescope
will be used for studies of
Stars and Stellar Evolution time
resolved medium-to-high resolution
stellar spectroscopy and exploration of
protostellar environments High-Precision
Stellar Astrophysics spectroscopic
signatures of binarity, stellar
atmospheres and pulsation, chromospheric
modelling The Sun and the Solar-Stellar
Connection stellar flares, star spots,
solar/stellar activity Solar System Studies
medium-to-high resolution spectroscopy
of comets, asteroids and trans-neptunian
objects
Tracking assembly of SALT telescope.
3D model of the SALT telescope
For more information visit www.star.uclan.ac.uk/a
es/SALT/ and www.salt.ac.za