Africa Millimetre Telescope: Namibia’s window to the cosmos

The Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is set to position Namibia at the forefront of astronomical research, particularly in the study of black holes and high-resolution radio astronomy. The telescope will be a key addition to the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) network, a global collaboration that captured humanity’s first-ever image of a black hole in 2019 and the second image of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, in 2022.Namibia offers one of the world’s most favourable environments for astronomical observation. Located in the southern hemisphere, it provides a unique vantage point for studying the Milky Way. The country’s low population density ensures dark, pristine night skies, particularly during the winter months. For radio astronomy, high and dry sites are crucial to minimise atmospheric interference, making the Namibian Khomas Hochland an ideal location for the AMT.Scientific goalsThe AMT’s primary scientific mission is to enhance the EHT network’s imaging capabilities, enabling astronomers to produce dynamic “films” of matter orbiting black holes. While approximately 20% of the telescope’s observing time will contribute to EHT campaigns, the remaining time will allow Namibia’s researchers to conduct independent studies of other astronomical phenomena, such as active galactic nuclei, quasars, and blazars. This dual-use model exemplifies a strong collaboration with the University of Namibia (Unam), allowing local scientists to expand their research portfolio.By joining the EHT, the AMT extends the network’s baseline to the African continent, improving the resolution of black hole imaging. It also forms part of the larger African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Network (AVN), which aims to develop high-precision radio astronomy infrastructure across the continent. The AMT may also serve as an early expansion for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), one of the world’s largest astronomical projects co-hosted by South Africa and Australia.Milestones and capacity buildingConstruction of the telescope at the Gollschau site is expected to begin in 2026, with first observations anticipated between 2028 and 2029. Beyond its scientific output, the AMT is fostering local expertise in astronomy, engineering, and data science. Unam has already supported Namibia’s first PhD students in astrophysics through the project, providing opportunities for international collaboration and practical experience in cutting-edge astronomical research. Students involved in the AMT are gaining highly transferable skills in coding, big data analysis, and instrumentation, positioning them for careers both locally and abroad.The AMT represents a milestone not only for Namibia but for African astronomy as a whole. By hosting a world-class radio telescope, Namibia strengthens its role in regional and global scientific networks, attracting international investment, building human capital and inspiring the next generation of African astronomers.

Africa Millimetre Telescope: Namibia’s window to the cosmos

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-12-08

Please login to leave a comment

Africa Millimetre Telescope: Namibia’s window to the cosmos

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-12-08

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content