After the SKA - Radio Astronomy in 2049

TL;DR

This paper discusses the future of radio astronomy by examining the SKA project's challenges, innovations, and potential developments leading up to 2049, offering insights into the field's evolution over the next few decades.

Contribution

It provides a forward-looking analysis of technical challenges, innovations, and the future landscape of radio astronomy beyond the SKA project.

Findings

Identification of key technical challenges for SKA

Predicted innovations driving radio astronomy progress

Speculation on the future state of radio astronomy in 2049

Abstract

The concept of a Square Kilometre Array was developed to ensure that progress in Radio Astronomy in the early 21st Century continued at the same impressive pace as was achieved during the first 50 years. The SKA telescope is designed to pave that road to greater and greater sensitivity. So what technical challenges does the project face and what key innovations will drive the success of the SKA? What will the next Radio Astronomy mega-science project look like? In this article the author discusses the likely avenues of progress in the coming decades and comments on the status of radio astronomy in 2049 - the author's 70th (and presumably her retirement) year.