SKA Sensitivity Calculator

The SKA Sensitivity Calculator is a scientifically accurate tool designed to estimate the sensitivity and required integration time of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) — the world’s largest and most powerful radio telescope under construction. This calculator uses the official SKA sensitivity equations published by the SKA Organisation and peer-reviewed literature, including the definitive sensitivity model presented in the SKA Sensitivity paper (Braun et al., 2019).

Based on the radiometer equation and the actual collecting area of SKA1-Low and SKA1-Mid, this tool provides reliable predictions for continuum and spectral line observations, helping astronomers plan observations, write proposals, and understand the revolutionary capabilities of the SKA.

The SKA Sensitivity Calculator is indispensable because the Square Kilometre Array will be 10–100 times more sensitive than current radio telescopes. Accurate sensitivity forecasting is crucial for time allocation committees, proposal preparation, and scientific planning. A single incorrect assumption about integration time can waste thousands of hours of telescope time or lead to unfeasible science goals.

With the SKA expected to revolutionize fields from cosmology and pulsar timing to transient detection and astrobiology, researchers must know precisely what flux densities and redshifts are achievable. This calculator removes guesswork and provides results traceable to the official SKA Observatory performance documents.

How to use the SKA Sensitivity Calculator:

1. Observing Frequency: Enter central frequency in MHz (e.g., 1420 MHz for HI).
2. Bandwidth: Total bandwidth used (up to 4 GHz for SKA-Mid Band 5).
3. Source Flux Density: In millijansky (mJy). For unknown sources, use expected continuum or line flux.
4. Desired SNR: Usually 5σ for detection, 10σ+ for detailed study.
5. SKA Configuration: Choose SKA-Low (50–350 MHz) or SKA-Mid (350–15000 MHz).

The calculator returns: RMS noise (μJy/beam), integration time for desired SNR, and image sensitivity.

Use the SKA Sensitivity Calculator in these critical situations:

• Writing SKA Cycle 1 or future observing proposals
• Planning legacy surveys and key science projects
• Estimating feasibility of detecting high-redshift HI, pulsars, or transients
• Teaching radio astronomy and telescope performance
• Comparing SKA capabilities with JVLA, MeerKAT, or ASKAP

With first light expected in the late 2020s, accurate planning tools are essential now.

The primary purpose of this SKA Sensitivity Calculator is to democratize access to high-fidelity SKA performance predictions using the exact equations from the SKA Observatory Baseline Design and peer-reviewed publications.

This implementation uses the official SKA1-Low and SKA1-Mid performance tables (2023 baseline), including:

• SKA1-Low: 512 stations × 35 m diameter (50–350 MHz)
• SKA1-Mid: 197 × 15 m dishes (350–15000 MHz)
• Frequency-dependent T_sys (sky + receiver)
• Realistic aperture efficiency and spillover

The SKA will transform radio astronomy by enabling surveys of unprecedented depth and speed. For example, the SKA-Mid Band 2 (950–1760 MHz) will achieve ~0.3 μJy/beam RMS in 1 hour — 50 times deeper than the JVLA in the same time. This calculator helps scientists harness that power responsibly.

From detecting the first stars via 21-cm signal to timing millisecond pulsars with nanosecond precision, the SKA’s sensitivity defines the frontier of discovery. This tool ensures researchers can translate their science goals into realistic observing plans.

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The SKA Sensitivity Calculator stands as a bridge between cutting-edge astronomy and accessible science — empowering the next generation of researchers worldwide.