Square Kilometer Array
Photography for the biggest science project on the planet
I have been so excited to be working on the Square Kilometre Array project in Carnarvon (the middle of nowhere in the Karoo in South Africa). Once it’s completed, it will be the biggest Radio Telescope in the world. Well, in the universe actually, unless the aliens already have a bigger one. I guess we’ll find out soon (in about 25 years when it’s completed). It is also the largest science project on the planet right now.
This is such a beautiful project to be involved in. It is a large scale international collaboration of countries and enterprises working together to create something that will further man’s understanding of the universe. And it looks really cool too. The site was chosen because it is far from everything and completely cut off from all radio signals. Also, because the equipment on the dishes (particularly the transmitters that cost $75,000/R750,000 a piece) are so sensitive, it is a strict radio silence zone. No cell phones, no radios, even the cameras have to be tested in a special room before they can go onto site. The highlight of the project: the main building on site is an underground bunker. The bunker has a room with a metal door and a green button in the middle of it. When you push that button the door makes a beautiful “hiss-pfff” sound, and slides open. You can use a computer and a phone in that room if you need to.
I put together the photography part of the tender (successfully) and consulted to determine and brief out the clients requirements, priorities and milestones to the creative team that will be covering the project all around the country. So far they have shot the infrastructure, staff portraits and events (like the the “Shared Sky” international indigenous art/astronomy exhibition).
Most recently my fabulous wife, who is also the owner of Avo Photography, was asked to produce a limited edition fine art print as gifts for the dignitaries at the unveiling of the Meerkat 62 dish by our South African Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa. That, plus the door with the green button, makes this the coolest project ever.