The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), known as the world’s largest radio telescope, is nestled amid the dramatic limestone peaks of Pingtang County, China. Also referred to as the “Eye of Heaven,” FAST was completed in 2016 to advance our understanding of the universe. Its critical missions include:
- Searching for extraterrestrial life.
- Providing data on dark matter.
- Mapping the Milky Way galaxy.
FAST is composed of 4,450 triangular aluminum panels that form its massive dish. At its core is a mobile feed antenna suspended by cables above the dish. This antenna can move around the telescope’s surface, much like an iris, automatically adjusting using winches to receive signals from various directions in the sky.
The Chinese government relocated 9,110 residents from the surrounding area to ensure optimal performance, creating a three-mile “quiet zone” free from radio interference.
The Chinese government is developing new restaurants, hotels, and a theme park to accommodate visitors. Unfortunately, this increase in human activity raises concerns about potential light and radio frequency pollution, which could disrupt the telescope’s delicate observations.
Due to these challenges, FAST remains a pioneering instrument in radio astronomy, granting humanity an unparalleled view of the cosmos.
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