Powered by Indico
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-Low is a highly sensitive next generation radio telescope currently under construction in Australia. When completed, Low telescope will comprise 131072 cross-polarized log-periodic dipole antennas distributed across 512 low-frequency aperture array (LFAA) stations operating over the frequency range of 50 – 350 MHz with baselines up to 65 km. Signals from each LFAA station are first gathered at the Central and Remote Processing Facilities where the initial stage of signal processing is performed. The processed signals are then transmitted over optical fibre links to the Pawsey Science Processing Centre in Perth, which hosts the Central Signal Processor (CSP) and the Science Data Processor (SDP). At the heart of SKA-Low CSP lies the Correlator and Beamformer (CBF), which transforms the station-level data into full-polarization visibilities for imaging and tied-array beams for pulsar and VLBI observations. This talk presents an overview of the SKA-Low system architecture, with particular emphasis on the LFAA and CBF subsystems. It will also highlight how the unique capabilities of SKA-Low can be leveraged for solar and heliospheric observations. Potential synergies with space-based observatories will be briefly discussed, offering opportunities for coordinated multi-wavelength studies.