Russian media focus: China to build the world's largest astronomical base, surpassing the United States!

Previously, China's astronomical telescope projects in Argentina and Chile were forced to halt due to interference from the United States.

On June 8, Russia's Kommersant cited a report from the South China Morning Post.

Chinese scientists plan to deploy the world's largest astronomical base on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by the mid-2030s, equipped with the most powerful optical instruments. These facilities will be located on Mount Sesheten in northwestern Qinghai Province.

The new complex will include telescopes with mirror diameters ranging from 6.5 meters to 14.5 meters, along with dozens of smaller auxiliary instruments.

Experts estimate that the total light-gathering capacity of this upcoming system will exceed that of the observatory atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

This observatory is currently regarded as the global benchmark for ground-based astronomical observation, housing renowned telescopes such as "Keck," "Subaru," and "Gemini North."

Currently, China has initiated preparatory work for two key projects, including equipment design and polishing of optical mirrors.

The first project is a 14.5-meter-diameter large optical telescope (LOT), costing 2.5 billion RMB (approximately $369 million USD).

The second telescope is a 6.5-meter-diameter multi-object spectroscopic survey telescope (MUSTe), costing 1.5 billion RMB, constructed by a team from Tsinghua University with support from social capital.

The "first light" — officially beginning actual observations — for both flagship telescopes is scheduled for 2030.

Russian media pointed out that this move will significantly enhance China's international standing in space exploration and drive cutting-edge astronomical research.

Earlier reports indicated that China's radio telescope project under construction in Argentina was suspended due to U.S. interference, as Washington fears China might use scientific facilities to monitor American satellites, systematically pushing Chinese projects out of South America.

A similar scenario unfolded in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where China had planned to build an observatory with over a hundred telescopes.

However, construction was forced to halt under strong pressure from U.S. authorities.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867377088777223/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.