China's AST3-2 telescope at Dome A, the highest point of the Antarctic plateau, has successfully concluded its 2025 nighttime observation season, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced this week. The milestone marks another leap in polar astronomical research, with the telescope collecting 3.5 terabytes of data during the latest polar night.
Operating remotely since early 2024 maintenance, the telescope logged 1,000 hours of effective observation time despite Antarctica's extreme conditions. Its findings include critical data on high-inclination asteroids, exoplanet systems, and photometric measurements of supermassive black holes—discoveries poised to advance humanity's understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Developed by the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics & Technology, the AST3-2 represents cutting-edge polar observation technology. Its innovative optical system and anti-frost engineering have enabled 12 years of continuous operation at Dome A, including three consecutive winters without on-site technical support.
As the largest operational optical telescope in Antarctica's interior, the instrument demonstrates China's growing capabilities in extreme-environment scientific infrastructure. Researchers globally await analysis of its 2025 dataset, particularly its observations of near-Earth asteroids that could inform planetary defense strategies.
