With SKA1-Low in the final stages of array design and initial hardware testing, it is timely to assess the lessons learned from SKA pathfinders and precursors, and other low frequency radio interferometers (MWA, LOFAR, PAPER etc), coupled with the characteristics of low frequency observing at the Murchison Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRO). Across all these instruments, the interplay between technology and processing techniques has come to the fore: this meeting aims to capture this knowledge to benefit the ongoing development of SKA1-Low.
Over the last ~6 years, a wealth of substantial, but distributed knowledge has been amassed in the reinvigorated field of low frequency radio astronomy, most notably across the nature of the sky and techniques for interferometry at these wavelengths. This conference will bring together low frequency expertise to discuss, share and refine this knowledge, leading towards SKA1-Low. The program will focus on the evolutionary path to creation and adaption of new algorithms to suit the key science undertaken by the precursors.
This conference will include the opportunity for attendees to interact and share expertise with members of the AADC Consortium and SKA Board, whose meetings also occur during the same week in Perth: special overlap sessions of this Conference with the AADC Consortium are planned to encourage collegial interactions, and will seek to identify how the collective expertise can be harnessed to best benefit SKA Low.
This meeting is SKA endorsed.