Asik SyedChina has officially launched the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye, a state-of-the-art radio and millimetre-wave telescope located at Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. This significant milestone marks a leap forward in China’s pursuit of advanced astronomical research, especially in the harsh yet ideal observational conditions of the South Pole.
Key Features and Origins
The telescope boasts a 3.2-metre aperture and was co-developed by China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University. Building on the legacy of earlier ventures like the Antarctic Survey Telescopes (AST3), this project aims to deepen our understanding of the universe by focusing on interstellar gas—specifically hydrogen and ammonia—and the formation of stars.
Engineering Breakthroughs
Constructing a telescope for Antarctica came with its share of challenges. From sub-zero temperatures to intense polar winds, the environment demanded rugged innovation. The team engineered specialized equipment capable of withstanding extreme conditions, laying the groundwork for future submillimeter-wave telescopes on the continent.
Scientific Goals
The telescope’s mission centers around studying spectral lines of neutral hydrogen and ammonia in the Milky Way. These observations will yield valuable insights into cosmic phenomena, shedding light on the complex processes behind stellar birth and evolution.
Why Antarctica?
Antarctica offers some of the clearest atmospheric conditions on Earth, making it an exceptional site for astronomical observations. The installation of the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye strengthens China’s position in global space research, demonstrating a strong commitment to pushing scientific boundaries in one of the most remote places on Earth.
What Lies Ahead
Once fully operational, the telescope will support new scientific expeditions to Zhongshan Station. China Three Gorges University plans to deploy dedicated research teams for on-site investigations, underscoring the role of academic collaboration in driving cutting-edge discoveries.
Global Context: Other Prominent Observatories
This new facility joins the ranks of several significant observatories around the world:
- INO (India-based Neutrino Observatory) – Tamil Nadu, India: Studies solar and atmospheric neutrinos.
- IceCube Neutrino Observatory – South Pole, USA: Uses Antarctic ice to detect cosmic neutrinos.
- JUNO (Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory) – China: Expected by late 2025 to study Earth- and sun-derived neutrinos.
- DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) – USA: Set for 2030, will explore neutrino oscillation and supernova events.
- TRIDENT (Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope) – South China Sea: Focused on deep-sea neutrino detection.
Neha Baruah
Asik Syed
