The SETI Institute and the Radio Astronomy Laboratory of the University of California at Berkeley have announced a $13.5 million challange grant from the Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation toward the construction of the first and second phases of the Allen Telescope Array, the world's newest multiple-use radio telescope array.

When completed, ATA will provide fundamentally new measurements and insights into the density of the very early universe, the formation of stars, the magnetic fields in the interstellar medium, and a host of other applications of deep interest to astronomers. The telescope, which eventually will consist of hundreds of 6.1-meter dishes and will incorporate innovative technologies and modern, miniaturized electronics in concert with increasingly affordable computer processing, will also have the capability to search for possible signals from technologically advanced civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy.

The announcement of the challenge grant follows the successful completion of a three-year research and development phase funded by an $11.5 million gift from the Seattle-based Allen Foundation. The study proved that one of the primary advantages of the array design — its scalability — will make it possible for the ATA to conduct scientific investigations as early as the end of 2004, when phase one, involving the installation of thirty-two dishes, is scheduled to be completed. The ultimate goal is to complete the entire array of 350 dishes by the end of the decade.

"I am very excited to be supporting one of the world's most visionary efforts to seek basic answers to some of the fundamental questions about our universe and what other civilizations may exist elsewhere," said Paul G. Allen. "I am a big proponent of leveraging revolutionary technology and design and applying it to important problems in science."