New Zealand pathway towards Asia-Pacific and global e-VLBI research and development

TL;DR

This paper discusses New Zealand's recent development of a radio astronomy observatory, its integration into international VLBI networks, and plans to expand its participation in global e-VLBI research, supporting SKA readiness.

Contribution

It introduces New Zealand's first radio observatory, details its integration into international VLBI networks, and outlines plans for expanded regional and global collaboration in e-VLBI research.

Findings

New Zealand's radio telescope joined IVS and LBA networks.

Established high-speed fibre connections across the Pacific and Australia.

Plans for increased participation in Australasian and Asia-Pacific VLBI research.

Abstract

Over the past 3 years, Auckland University of Technology has established the first radio astronomical observatory in New Zealand, which, because of its remote geographic location, has quickly become a member of a number of international VLBI networks, in particular the IVS and the LBA. Not only has this added significantly to the observational power in the Pacific and Oceania, but by utilising new fibre connections within New Zealand, and across the Pacific and the Tasman Sea, the New Zealand radio telescopes have now been linked to many in Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Recent astronomical results are presented and plans for widening New Zealand participation in Australasian, Asia-Pacific and global VLBI research and development are outlined. Real-time e-VLBI is a vital part of New Zealand's capability development towards the SKA. The rapid and challenging establishment of New Zealand radio astronomy can serve as a model for the engagement in mega-Science and e-Science by resource-limited institutions and nations. Perspectives for collaboration between New Zealand and Thailand in the field of radio astronomy are included.