The Spatialities of Radio Astronomy

Description

The Spatialities of Radio Astronomy examines the multidisciplinary overlap between the spatial disciplines and the studies of science and technology through a comparative study of four of the world’s most important radio telescopes. Employing detailed analysis, historical research, interviews, personal observations, and various conceptual manoeuvres, Guy Trangoš reveals the depth of spatial process active at these scientific sites and the territories they traverse. Through the conceptual frameworks of territory, hyper-concentration, and contingency, Trangoš interprets the telescope as exploded across space and time, present in multiple connected sites simultaneously, and active in the production of space. He develops a historiographic and contemporary analysis of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA, Chile); the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST, China); the Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico); and the MeerKAT/SKA (South Africa). These case studies are global exemplars of the different spatial transformations that occur through science. Their relationships to surrounding communities and landscapes reveal deeper constitutional processes embodied in each institutional and spatial form. This book spans the modern history of architecture and science, the studies of science, technology and society, and urban theory. It is of specific interest to architects and designers expanding their analysis of spatial production, scholars in the study of geography, landscape, science, technology, and astronomy, and people fascinated with how these radio telescopes were conceptualised, built, and operate today. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Foreword 1. Introduction Four Radio Telescopes Overview Notes 2. Fortress Science Science and Space Producing Space Science, Technology, and Society Boundary Exploration Technology and Infrastructure Landscape and Territory Landscape Territory Glacis On a Mountain Peak Notes 3. Making Science Arecibo Observatory Clearing the Forest Making Waves New Capabilities Uncertainty ALMA Millimetre Wavelengths Three Observatories Assembling Consensus Assembling Parts FAST The Square Kilometre Array Going Alone MeerKAT A Low Base Taking Advantage They Gaze Alertly Conclusion Notes 4. Territories of Emptiness Filling the Void Enacting Emptiness Siting Re-scripting Defending Assembling Networks Tethering ALMA MeerKAT FAST Arecibo Conclusion Notes 5. Hyper Concentration Living Science Context Connections Operations New Architectures Instrument Object Image Performance Notes 6. Negotiating Contingencies Hurricane Competition Strike Rural Minorities Boundaries Notes Epilogue: To the Moon Notes Index