Professor Rob Fender of the University of Southampton’s School of Physics and Astronomy, project leader of the LOFAR:UK group, revealed his excitement for the plan, saying: "Once the network is complete it will form the largest radio telescope ever built, opening up a new window on the universe."
The technology is revolutionary because radio telescopes have barely changed since the 1960s, being based on huge mechanical dish antennas. The cost of making these larger is immense; by combining thousands of smaller antennas, it is hoped that the next step in telescope sensitivity can be taken.