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With 40-meter antennas and positioned in strategic locations, China's new radio telescopes expand the observable area of the sky by 25% and improve angular resolution by 18%, marking a new chapter in space exploration.
China has taken a major step forward in deep space exploration with the inauguration of two cutting-edge radio telescopes equipped with 40-meter-diameter antennas. These technological giants have been strategically positioned in the northeast and southwest of the country, promising to transform our understanding of the cosmos. But what makes these radio telescopes so special?
With these new instruments, China is not only expanding your network of observation, but also unraveling mysteries that are billions of light years away. It's as if they have opened an even bigger window to explore the universe.
Where are the new radio telescopes?
The two telescopes were built in strategic locations: Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province and Shigatse in Xizang Autonomous Region. These locations were not chosen at random. The high altitude and remoteness of these regions create ideal conditions for space observation, minimizing interference from the ground.
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Imagine being in a place so remote that even the sky seems closer. That's exactly the feeling these bases offer scientists, making each observation more precise and detailed.
How radio telescopes and the VLBI network work
The new radio telescopes are part of the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network, a technology that combines signals from multiple telescopes to create a gigantic “virtual telescope.”
With these two new telescopes, the effective aperture of the VLBI array has increased from 3.200 km to 3.800 km, expanding the observable area of the sky by 25% and improving angular resolution by 18%. It’s like replacing an old TV with a 4K one: details have never been so sharp.
The technology behind the new telescopes
Building these telescopes was a real challenge. One of them was built at an altitude of 4.100 meters, while the other faced extreme temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. Still, the team overcame these adversities to deliver highly accurate instruments.
By combining signals received from different telescopes, the network creates a cosmic “magnifying glass,” allowing even the smallest details of celestial bodies such as black holes and fast-moving stars to be tracked.
These radio telescopes are already prepared to support ambitious space missions such as the Chang'e and Tianwen series, which seek to explore the Moon and Mars. With their advanced precision, they can measure the positions of spacecraft with impressive accuracy.
The ability to track multiple targets simultaneously is a major differentiator, making the network more flexible and efficient. It’s as if China had equipped its missions with an intergalactic GPS.
Exploring the cosmos and beyond
The new tools also boost research in areas such as gravitational waves, supermassive black holes and galactic dynamics. For scientists, it’s like being given a new set of lenses to peer into the deepest secrets of the universe.
The radio telescopes are not just a breakthrough for Chinese astronomy; they symbolize the importance of scientific infrastructure in fostering innovation. These instruments represent a future where deep space will be more accessible and understandable.
On the horizon, there is already talk of missions to explore asteroids, Jupiter and other celestial bodies. China is literally aiming for the stars.
China's two new radio telescopes are more than just scientific equipment. They are a testimony of commitment with space exploration and astronomical research. With these tools, China is not only expanding its horizons, but also inspiring a new generation of cosmic explorers.
A country committed to being and giving its best for humanity. We will all benefit from these leaps in evolution. Never forgetting that Americans, whether we like it or not, have been the leaders for decades.
China has always attracted me because of its research in the field of science. This news is an example of what they have done and progressed in space research. We cannot be overwhelmed by their scientific advances, because we know that they are also for the benefit of all humanity. Everyone will benefit from this progress.