23 Aug 2025

Capturing space through a Kiwi lens

From Saturday Morning, 7:39 am on 23 August 2025

A team from Otago University has created a unique type of radio telescope - born out of failure. 

When New Zealand and Australia missed out on hosting the world's largest radio telescope in 2012, Dr Tim Molteno decided to build his own!

Now there are ten of his radio telescopes in place, mostly in Southern Africa.

The telescope is unique because it takes a big picture look at space. Dr Molteno talks to Susie about their surprising discoveries.

Dr Tim Molteno installs one of his radiotelescopes in Kitwe, Zambia, hosted by the Copperbelt University

Dr Tim Molteno installs one of his radiotelescopes in Kitwe, Zambia, hosted by the Copperbelt University Photo: Dr Tim Molteno