FIVE-HUNDRED-METER APERTURE SPHERICAL TELESCOPE

Location: Guizhou, China Type: Radio Diameter: 500 metres

2022-10-27 -

FAST opened in 2020 and is currently the world’s largest single-dish ground telescope.

The electromagnetic waves that hit the large dish are reflected to the receiver suspended above it.

This circular structure is made of steel and built into the foundations as the telescope’s main support structure.

4,450 triangular reflector panels are connected to make up the large dish.

Six towers are attached to the telescope receiver by cables to keep it in place.

A 1,121-metre tunnel carries rainwater away from the telescope to avoid water damage.

The aluminium panels are supported by a metal lattice structure.

More than 9,000 residents were relocated away from the area to avoid any electromagnetic interference.

The telescope was built in the natural Dawodang depression.

Data received by the telescope is sent to this observatory to be studied.