China Advances $369 Million Telescope to Build Largest Astronomy Base by Mid-2030s
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 6
China Advances $369 Million Telescope to Build Largest Astronomy Base by Mid-2030s
2 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 6
Summary
Groundwork, mirror polishing and instrument development are already under way on Saishiteng Mountain for China’s 14.5-meter Large Optical Telescope and 6.5-meter MUltiplexed Survey Telescope.
The two projects carry a combined price tag of 4 billion yuan, including 2.5 billion yuan for LOT and 1.5 billion yuan for MUST, as China pushes to turn the remote site into the world’s largest astronomy base.
Scientists say the mountain’s telescopes are set to surpass Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in total light-gathering power by the mid-2030s.
Mauna Kea has long been the benchmark for ground-based astronomy, hosting the twin 10-meter Keck telescopes, the 8.2-meter Subaru and the 8.1-meter Gemini North.