The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a low-frequency radio telescope located in the Western Australian outback. The MWA is operated by an international consortium of institutions, led by Curtin University and including the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and the Australian National University (ANU).
The MWA consists of 256 tiles, each containing 64 dipoles. The dipoles are arranged in a pseudo-random configuration over an area of approximately 30 square kilometers. This arrangement allows the MWA to achieve its wide field of view while still maintaining a high degree of sensitivity.
The primary science goal of the MWA is to study the epoch of reionization, when the first stars and galaxies formed and ionized the neutral hydrogen that filled the early Universe. The MWA is also well suited for studying other astrophysical phenomena such as pulsars, supernova remnants, and active galactic nuclei.
In addition to its scientific goals, the MWA is also used for educational outreach programs aimed at increasing public engagement with science and technology. These programs include “You Are Here” workshops that bring together Indigenous Australians and scientists to learn about astronomy and cultural heritage; “Science on Country” programs that allow Aboriginal community members to conduct their own research using the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory; and public open days held at various times throughout the year.