The Square Kilometre Array Observatory’s (SKAO) expanding telescope array in South Africa, SKA-Mid, has reached a key commissioning milestone by recording “first fringes.”
This milestone, achieved using two of its 15-metre dishes, represents the first successful combination of signals from two or more antennas in the array.
This milestone demonstrates that the system is operating as an interferometer for the first time, confirming that the hardware and software systems are functioning together as intended and marking a key step toward full scientific operation.
The successful achievement of first fringes marks a significant validation of these combined efforts and provides a strong foundation for the next stages of commissioning.
Building on the experience gained during the lead-up to this milestone, the SKA-Mid project is now positioned to achieve the first images from a four-dish array in the coming months.
From there, the telescope will continue to expand gradually, increasing in size and capability as additional dishes and supporting infrastructure are brought online, moving steadily toward its full scientific potential.