South Africa has been vying to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) for over two years.  While constructing the SKA will cost the South African government a significant amount of money, the country is expected to benefit significantly through a boost in ICT infrastructure as well as attracting internationally renowned scientists to the region. 

Now South Africa has passed a law to help boost the country’s bid against its friendly rival Australia.  The signing of the new Astronomy Geographic Advantage Bill will protect large scale investments already made in astronomy and preserve an environment for a global astronomy hub that will continue to attract international investment.  Although the choice will not be made until 2011, this law is a significant milestone for South Africa and puts the country in a very strong position.

AIMS’ new research center is also playing a role in supporting the bid and will be an important place to push forward research and innovation in the field of astronomy.

Photo credit: David Aguilar and David Wilner, Harvard-Smithsonian CfA