Paper art antennas inspire SKAO outreach activity

Impact
Japanese SKA community members have developed a new paper-based outreach activity for the SKAO, which is now being used at outreach events around the world.

During open days at Kagoshima University, paper craft models of SKA-Low antennas were created to engage visitors in radio astronomy.    

Designed by Dr Hiroyuki Nakanishi – a former member of the SKA's outreach network currently teaching at Ishikawa Prefectural University – and undergraduate students Toshiki Hamamoto and Kaito Kawakami, they proved especially popular among young people. Nakanishi has been involved in SKA-related research and development since the establishment of the Japan SKA consortium in 2008. 

Inspired by the success of this Japanese activity, Australian partners built on the original Japanese design further to support education and outreach activities in Australia and beyond. Just last month, the Australian embassy in Thailand used the activity at the National Science and Technology Fair in Bangkok in collaboration with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand. 

Picture of many paper antenna models close together on a white surface.
The paper antennas in use at the major Astrofest event in Perth, Australia.

These models provide a fun, hands-on accessible way for the public in all countries to engage with the SKA project, its science, and the global collaboration it represents. 

The models are available on the SKAO’s outreach and education pages here.