New Zealand and Australia are shortlisted to host the most powerful radio telescope ever invented.
The Square Kilometre Array telescope will detect radio frequency signals from space through thousands of receptors, covering an area of one square kilometre.
New Zealand Economic Development and Research Minister David Carter says it would be an amazing opportunity for New Zealanders to be involved in the world-leading project.
Australia and New Zealand are vying against South Africa to host the telescope.
The final decision will be based on cost, technology, interference and the atmospheric conditions of each site.
The final site for the telescope will be decided early next year and it will be in operation by 2020.
