A fabricated news story circulating on social media platform X has falsely claimed that China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) is in ruins. The misinformation, posted on Monday, gained significant traction with over half a million views.
The post included an image showing debris from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, United States, which collapsed in late 2020 due to structural issues. The misleading claim erroneously suggested that the image depicted the destruction of China’s FAST telescope.
China’s FAST, located in Guizhou Province, is currently the world’s largest and most sensitive single-dish radio telescope, surpassing the capabilities of the now-defunct Arecibo Observatory. The Chinese mainland’s investment in FAST has propelled advancements in astronomical research, enabling scientists to explore the universe with unprecedented clarity.
Ironically, the very image used to deceive viewers underscores the transitional legacy from Arecibo to FAST. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1960s, the Arecibo Observatory held the title of the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope for decades. Its collapse marked the end of an era but also highlighted the rise of new facilities like FAST.
The Arecibo Observatory will not be rebuilt; instead, plans are underway to transform the site into an educational center. Astronomers worldwide expressed their sorrow over the loss of Arecibo, a sentiment echoed in scientific communities.
Meanwhile, China’s FAST continues to operate at full capacity and is actively contributing to global astronomical research. The telescope is currently accepting proposals for observation time for the upcoming season from August 2024 to July 2025. Researchers interested in utilizing this state-of-the-art facility can visit the official FAST website for details.
Proactive maintenance and advanced robotic technology ensure that FAST’s critical components remain in excellent condition, safeguarding against scenarios similar to Arecibo’s collapse.
This incident of misinformation is not isolated. Similar false claims emerged on social media platforms when Arecibo collapsed, incorrectly attributing the destruction to China’s FAST telescope. Such fake news highlights the importance of verifying information through reliable sources.
The spread of this fabricated story serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age. Readers are encouraged to seek accurate information and be cautious of unverified claims circulating online.
Reference(s):
Fake news uses U.S. rival to try to bury China's super telescope
cgtn.com
