The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) wants YOU to be part of something big.<\/p>\n
And by “you”, I mean “your PC”, and by “something big”, I mean “Skynet”.<\/p>\n
No, seriously, that’s what they’re calling their astronomical data-sourcing project, although I’d check the fine print for anything about supplying your own clothes, boots and motorcycle.<\/p>\n
According to a report over on the BBC<\/a>, the project will be analysing data from a satellite array with its own bunch of supercomputers, as well as idle public PCs to handle additional information.<\/p>\n “As we design, develop and switch on the next generation of radio telescopes, the supercomputing resources processing this deluge of data will be in increasingly high demand,” explained ICRAR director, Professor Peter Quinn.<\/p>\n “SkyNet aims to complement the work already being done by creating a citizen science computing resource that radio astronomers can tap into and process data in ways and for purposes that otherwise might not be possible.”<\/p>\n Interestingly enough, one of the two possible sites for the satellite array is in South Africa<\/a>.<\/p>\n To sign up and get involved – and possibly secure your personal safety in some future Terminator-controlled post-apocalypse by cooperating now – check out Skynet’s official site<\/a>.<\/p>\n