MeerKAT Telescope Collaborates with European VLBI Network for Cosmic Insights

In a significant advancement for astronomical research, South Africa's MeerKAT radio telescope has officially partnered with the European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (EVN) as of June 12, 2025. This collaboration aims to enhance the observational capabilities of the combined telescopes, enabling scientists to capture high-resolution images of cosmic phenomena with unprecedented detail.

**Context and Significance** The MeerKAT telescope, operated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), has been operational since its inauguration in 2018, providing vital insights into various cosmic phenomena, including massive galaxy clusters and mysterious radio signals from distant black holes. By joining forces with the EVN, which includes telescopes spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the partnership leverages advanced technologies from both hemispheres to explore deep-space observations further.

The collaboration utilizes a technique known as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), which synchronizes multiple radio telescopes over vast distances to operate as a single, large observatory. The increased separation between the telescopes enhances image sharpness, significantly improving the quality of astronomical data.

**Expert Insights** Dr. Agnieszka Słowikowska, Director of the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC (JIVE), which coordinates the EVN's data processing, stated, "For radio astronomers, accessing next-generation telescopes like MeerKAT is crucial to expanding our understanding of the universe. This collaboration allows us to push the limits of precision in our observations, helping us study more cosmic sources with greater accuracy."

MeerKAT’s advanced design, which features 64 large dishes spread over an 8-kilometer area, complements the EVN's extensive reach of up to 9,000 kilometers. The partnership not only enhances observational sensitivity but also facilitates the detection of fainter signals from the early universe, thereby opening new avenues for scientific exploration.

One of the initial major achievements stemming from this collaboration was the observation of the supermassive black hole J0123+3044, located in a distant galaxy. By combining data from MeerKAT with that from EVN's telescopes, astronomers captured a high-resolution image of a jet of plasma emanating from the black hole's vicinity. This observation lasted twelve hours, with MeerKAT contributing data for four hours. The resulting images demonstrated substantial improvements in depth and clarity, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of the collaborative network.

**Future Prospects** The integration of MeerKAT into the EVN represents a pivotal moment in international scientific collaboration. This effort lays the groundwork for upcoming global initiatives, including the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), which is poised to become the world’s largest radio telescope. "MeerKAT has already transformed our view of the radio sky," noted Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of SARAO. "By working with global partners like the EVN, we’re not only enhancing MeerKAT’s capabilities but also preparing for the next era of astronomical discovery."

The collaboration between MeerKAT and the EVN signifies a transformative leap in the field of astronomy, as it enables researchers to investigate some of the universe's most profound mysteries—from the nature of black holes to the formation of galaxies. This partnership not only promises to yield groundbreaking discoveries but also heralds a future where the collective power of the world's leading telescopes can bring the farthest reaches of the cosmos into sharp focus.

For further information about this partnership and its recent discoveries, please visit the Space in Africa website.