FAST Radio Telescope Opens to World Astronomers

China plans to open its 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Guizhou Province to the world's astronomers as of March 30, reported Xinhua News Agency.

Radio telescopes are designed to catch radio signals originating from deep space. FAST, the world's largest and most sensitive single-caliber radio telescope, can detect electromagnetic signals from more than 10 billion light years away. FAST has detected more than 300 pulsars, rotating neutron stars that are expected to provide accurate navigation for space flights as they send out regular pulses.

An unnamed official from China's National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences told media that opening FAST shows China's sincerity to cooperate with other countries in science and that China hopes FAST will contribute to human space exploration.

According to Xinhua, China will publish its review of foreign applications on July 20 and observations will begin in August.