China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, is now a global hub for cutting-edge astronomy. Since opening to international researchers in March 2021, FAST has approved nearly 900 hours of observation time for teams from 15 countries, including Germany, Italy, and France. Talk about cosmic teamwork! 🛸
From tracking mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs) to mapping pulsars and studying hydrogen clouds, FAST is cracking open the universe’s biggest secrets. ‘This telescope’s sensitivity is a game-changer,’ says British astronomer Ralph Eatough, who works with China’s National Astronomical Observatories. ‘We can now explore phenomena like pulsars in distant galaxies—things we could only dream of before.’
Sun Chun, a FAST measurement engineer, confirmed the projects focus on high-impact astrophysics. Meanwhile, Jiang Peng, FAST’s chief engineer, emphasized ongoing upgrades to keep the telescope ‘leading the world in stability and efficiency.’ With over 5,300 observation hours annually, FAST is already fueling breakthroughs.
Nestled in the lush karst valleys of Guizhou Province, this engineering marvel proves science knows no borders. Ready for more interstellar discoveries? 🌠
