China has embarked on the construction of a core array for its renowned Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), marking a significant advancement in the nation’s radio astronomy capabilities. The project commenced on Wednesday and is poised to enhance the sensitivity and angular resolution of the world’s largest radio telescope.
The new extension involves the integration of 24 secondary 40-meter antennas, strategically placed within a 5-kilometer radius of the FAST site. This expansion is expected to be operational by 2027, positioning China’s FAST telescope to outperform comparable global arrays.
According to Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the core array aims to achieve unprecedented observational precision. However, the project faces two significant technical challenges. The first is the development of high-performance room-temperature receivers, a technology that the team has not previously employed. The second challenge lies in creating integrated aperture data processing technology capable of handling data from telescopes of varying sizes, an area where domestic expertise is still growing.
These technological hurdles are critical to synchronizing observational results and maximizing the potential of the expanded telescope array. Overcoming them will not only bolster China’s position in the field of radio astronomy but also contribute valuable insights to the global scientific community.
The FAST telescope, already a monumental achievement in astronomical observation, has been instrumental in numerous discoveries since its completion. The addition of the core array is anticipated to elevate its capabilities, enabling more detailed exploration of deep-space phenomena and fostering advancements in our understanding of the universe.
Reference(s):
China launches construction of core array for FAST telescope
cgtn.com
