FAST：Explore the mysteries of the deepest reaches of the universe

FAST：Explore the mysteries of the deepest reaches of the universe

Located in Guizhou Province, the FAST (full name: Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope), which was fully operational in January 2020, is currently the world's largest single dish filled-aperture radio telescope.

The receiving surface area of FAST is 250,000 square meters, which is equivalent to 30 football fields. The sensitivity of FAST is 2.25 times higher than that of the 300-m Arecibo Observatory radio telescope in the United States and about 10 times higher than that of the Effelsberg 100-m Radio Telescope in Germany. When space radio waves travel long distances in the universe, the signal becomes very weak. If the aperture of the telescope is larger, more cosmic signals can be received. FAST can also detect HI (neutral hydrogen) in the universe. HI is produced during the Big Bang of the universe. Scientists can learn more about the mystery of birth of the universe by observing the HI. Also, to make sure that FAST will not be interfered by other signals, an area within 5-kilometer radius from FAST is classified as quiet zone.

As of 17 April 2024, the FAST has discovered more than 900 new pulsating stars, and these discoveries have greatly expanded the limits of human observation of the universe.

Photo source: xihuanet.com