The vast skies over southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region are set to reveal more cosmic secrets, as the main antenna of a 40-meter-aperture radio telescope was successfully hoisted and installed on Friday in Shigatse. This significant milestone brings China one step closer to enhancing its deep-space exploration capabilities.
Developed by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this fully movable, high-precision, multi-purpose telescope is slated for basic construction completion by the end of 2024. It is expected to begin initial observations in early 2025, marking a new era in astronomical research for the region.
Strategically positioned about 35 kilometers west of Shigatse’s city center at an altitude of approximately 4,100 meters, the telescope benefits from minimal electromagnetic interference, providing an optimal environment for capturing faint cosmic signals.
Upon completion, the telescope will become a crucial component of China’s very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) network. This network, which includes radio telescope stations scattered across the country and a VLBI data processing center at SHAO, plays a pivotal role in supporting China’s deep-space missions.
VLBI is an advanced technique that measures the time difference between signals received at multiple Earth-based antennas, effectively simulating a telescope as large as the maximum distance between those antennas. This method enhances resolution and sensitivity, allowing astronomers to observe distant celestial phenomena with unprecedented clarity.
The integration of the new telescope into the VLBI network will create a giant, hyper-precise synthesized aperture radio telescope. This will provide essential technical support for China’s upcoming lunar and planetary exploration missions, including potential manned lunar landings in the future.
The successful installation of the main antenna not only signifies a technological achievement but also underscores China’s commitment to advancing scientific research and exploration. As the telescope progresses towards full operation, it promises to offer valuable insights into the universe, inspiring both the scientific community and the public alike.
Reference(s):
Main antenna reflector of radio telescope in Xizang installed
cgtn.com
