MWA Enters Phase III: New Era for WA’s Universe Window
Western Australia’s Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) has entered its next chapter, with the completion of an upgrade set to expand our view of the Universe and solidify WA’s role as a global hub for radio astronomy.
Operating since 2013, the MWA is a powerful telescope comprising 8,192 antennas spread across more than 30sqkm on Wajarri Yamaji land, about 300km north-east of Geraldton, at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory.
The upgrade doubles the MWA’s sensitivity and quadruples the information content of its data output, helping to unlock some of astronomy’s greatest mysteries, including the nature of the Universe in its earliest stages following the Big Bang. The upgrade continues to build the unprecedented capabilities that underpin its critical role as the first fully operational precursor of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) telescopes, one of which is currently being constructed on the same site.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the upgraded telescope demonstrated the combined power of world-class science, international collaboration and local investment to drive innovation.
“The MWA is giving researchers across the globe an unprecedented window into the first stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago,” Professor Hayne said.
“Beyond its startling scientific discoveries, the MWA will continue to create opportunities for students and early career researchers, support local industry and deliver tangible economic benefits for Western Australia and Australia as a whole.”
MWA Director John Curtin Distinguished Professor Steven Tingay said the upgrade marked a transformative moment for the telescope and for astronomy.
“With Phase III complete, the MWA is better equipped than ever to explore the Universe and to prepare researchers for the upcoming SKAO, the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope. We have even added a little secret sauce to the design of the upgraded system, which is exciting for future prospects,” Professor Tingay said.
“The upgrade ensures the MWA remains a globally significant facility, producing world-leading science while training the next generation of astronomers and engineers.”
“Since commencing operations in 2013, the MWA has generated about 400 publications and trained hundreds of PhD students and early career researchers.”
“Its discoveries include Long Period Transients – a new class of astronomical objects – as well as studies that inform SKA-Low technology and operations.”
The $5.4 million Phase III upgrade was supported by the MWA’s international consortium members from Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Switzerland and the USA, reflecting the global value of the telescope. The upgrade included a significant contribution of electronics from international collaborator, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, in collaboration with engineers at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy. Western Australia State and Federal Government investments have also supported the upgrade and partnerships with local industry – from high-performance computing to collaborations with WA-based companies in technology development and manufacturing.
To mark the milestone, a three-day annual conference hosted by ICRAR-Curtin is being held from August 27-29 2025, bringing together representatives from MWA’s international partner organisations.
The MWA’s operations continue to strengthen cultural and community engagement, building long-term partnerships with Wajarri Yamatji communities.
For more information about the MWA, visit here.
https://www.curtin.edu.au/news/media-release/mwa-enters-phase-iii-a-new-era-for-was-window-on-the-universe/