Advances in Asia and Oceania Toward Very Long Baseline Interferometry in the Age of the Square Kilometre Array - Workshop

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research

Perth, Western Australia

May 4-6, 2011

Participants at the Perth Zoo on May 4th 2011.

Advances are taking place throughout Asia and Oceania with regard to capabilities in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).  New radio telescopes are being commissioned, e-VLBI is enabling real-time connections between radio telescopes and new science opportunities, and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is potentially part of the mix of major astronomy facilities in Asia/Oceania if the Australia and New Zealand bid to host the SKA is successful.

Thus, with this rapid pace of change in the region and the high level of technical expertise available, it is timely to bring together key leaders in VLBI across the region to discuss a number of topics related to VLBI and the SKA. VLBI was one of the main themes at the recent Shanghai Expo Australia-China Astronomy Roundtable and it was agreed that a subsequent workshop would be organised to facilitate further regional discussion on this issue.

Participation in this meeting is by invitation only and financial support will be available for invited participants.  The workshop participants will discuss a range of topics over a three day period, including: 

• Progress on establishing new radio telescopes for VLBI in the region;
• Possibilities for the extension of e-VLBI capabilities to more telescopes in the region;
• The science case for long SKA baselines;
• Examining how regional VLBI in Asia and Oceania could connect to the SKA to achieve key SKA science;
• Science that may be relevant for the regional VLBI capability; and 
• VLBI interoperability across the region.

Registration

Registration is by invitation only.  

Venue

The venue for the workshop will be Perth Zoo, located in South Perth (Western Australia), across the picturesque Swan River from the Perth CBD. The location is readily located using google maps or similar. The daily workshop activities will take place at the Zoo. Normal facilities for speakers will be provided.  Perth Zoo website.  

Accommodation

A wide range of accommodation options are available in the Perth CBD area, with transport to South Perth possible via a short ferry ride across the river and a short walk to the Zoo from the ferry terminal in South Perth.  City accommodation includes:

• http://www.duxton.com.au/perth/
• http://www.therichardson.com.au/contact.html 

There is limited accommodation immediate to the Perth Zoo in South Perth.  Some of the viable options worth exploring are given below:

• http://www.como.broadwaters.com.au/
• http://www.arlington.property.questwa.com.au/