Worlds Largest Telescope is Now Operational in China

Astronomical exploration has always been an important factor for the world&rsquos future. FAST radio telescope, the world&rsquos largest and most sensitive telescope is now operational in Guizhou, China. FAST or Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope was built in 2016 and has been under testing ever since. It is only in Jan 2020 that China announced its operations. It has been nicknamed &lsquoTianyan&rsquo, which translates to &ldquoEye of the sky&rdquo or &ldquoEye of Heaven&rdquo. While the diameter of the telescope is, in fact, 500 meters, only 300 meters can be used at a particular time. 

FAST is operated by the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory, which is a part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its goal is to survey neutral hydrogen on a large scale, study pulsars and their timings, lead the international very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) network, and detect interstellar molecules and communication signals. In August 2017, the telescope found 2 pulsars, and in two years, discovered 102 in total. 

What is fascinating is that FAST allows one to time pulsars 50 times more accurately than any other telescopes used. It also expands the volume of space range by 4 times, as compared to what was possible earlier. The endeavour has cost approximately 170 million US dollars. 

Two sky surveys are intended to be conducted, which will take 5 years, and another 10 years to be analysed. The telescope offers flexibility to uptake any unexpected operations.  

According to news reports, scientists are hopeful to make important discoveries with FAST. The telescope is intended to be made available to researchers from around the world. In fact, 10 international researchers have already tested it out. 

Currently, China is experiencing a fast-moving outbreak of the coronavirus, which has led to many fatalities. Multiple tourist attractions and transportation services have been shut down. Unfortunately, confirmed cases of the virus have been discovered in many other countries as well.