The MeerKAT array, currently taking shape in South Africa's Karoo region, is a world-class radio telescope designed to do ground-breaking science. It will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the southern hemisphere until the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is completed around 2024. Via MeerKAT, South Africa is playing a key role in design and technology developments for the SKA.

Close to 100 young scientists and engineers are working on the MeerKAT project. Based at the engineering office in Cape Town, and at universities and technology companies across South Africa and Africa, these researchers interact closely with SKA teams around the world. In collaboration with South African industry and universities, and collaborating with global institutions, the South African team has developed technologies and systems for the MeerKAT telescope, including innovative composite telescope dishes and cutting-edge signal processing hardware and algorithms.

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MeerKAT science and specifications
Find out more about the technical specifications for the MeerKAT array, antennae and receivers.

Questions and answers about MeerKAT and the SKA
All your questions answered about MeerKAT and the SKA

MeerKAT drawings and images
Download images of the MeerKAT array in the Karoo.

MeerKAT animation
View a realistic 3D animation of the MeerKAT telescope as it will appear on-site in the Karoo when it is completed in 2016.

Factsheet: MeerKAT
A factsheet about South Africa's MeerKAT array radio telescope.

Media release: Africa to shed light on the dark ages
18 February 2011

Media release: MeerKAT Precursor KAT 7 sees Fringes
10 December 2009

MeerKAT on Wikipedia
Download photographs of the first seven dishes of the local precursor instrument.