China has taken a giant leap in polar astronomy with the unveiling of the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye, a 3.2-meter radio/millimeter-wave telescope. Launched on April 3 at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, this cutting-edge instrument is set to decode the mysteries of our galaxy by scanning the Milky Way’s neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecular spectral lines.
Co-developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), the telescope has overcome major challenges posed by Antarctica’s extreme cold and fierce winds. As associate professor Zhang Yi of SHNU explained, "This telescope has broken through key technical bottlenecks in Antarctic observatory construction, laying the foundation for future submillimeter-wave telescopes in Antarctica."
Associate professor Zeng Xiangyun from CTGU highlighted that while the harsh environment is challenging, it also provides ideal conditions for peering into the universe. Since 2023, CTGU and SHNU have joined forces, overcoming technical hurdles to prepare for on-site scientific expeditions at Zhongshan Station once the telescope stabilizes.
Party chief He Weijun of CTGU underscored the project's importance, remarking that the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye not only marks a major achievement in polar research but also reflects the innovative spirit of Chinese science. With this breakthrough, China's astronomical pursuits in Antarctica are reaching new heights, promising a brighter future for cosmic exploration. 🚀✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
