The world’s largest radio telescope, called FAST, is being built in China. FAST is scheduled to be complete by 2016. Astronomers predict that they will discover new galaxies, and possibly even new space objects, located up to 7 billion light years away.
FAST will have more than 4,500 panels that can be moved to change its reflective surface. This will allow the telescope to scan large areas of the sky. The telescope’s dish is being built in a natural crater in Guizhou province in southern China, without any cities within a 5 km radius.
Telescopes are able to collect information by allowing researchers to observe objects located at great distances. These instruments function by collecting electromagnetic radiation, such as light. The invention of telescopes dates back to glass lenses and mirrors used in the Netherlands in the 17th Century.
In 1609, the scientist Galileo improved upon the original design of the telescope and became the first person to famously use it for stargazing and space observation. Since then, there have been significant advancements, including infrared telescopes and other radio telescopes.
Not only will FAST be bigger than the world’s current-largest telescope in Puerto Rico, but it will also be three times more sensitive.