China plans to build telescope on dark side of Moon
What's the story
Chinese scientists have pitched an ambitious plan to build a radio telescope array on the far side of the Moon. The project, if greenlit, could give us the first operational lunar radio observatory. The proposed array would be made up of 7,200 butterfly-shaped wire antennas capable of detecting ultra-long wavelength cosmic signals. These signals are key to understanding the early universe but can't penetrate Earth's atmosphere.
Timeline
Lunar telescope to be operational within 10 years
While similar concepts have been proposed by US scientists, China's version could be realized within a decade. This is based on China's upcoming robotic and crewed lunar missions as well as the China-led International Lunar Research Station, which is expected to be operational by 2035. The array would span 30km area, offering high resolution and sensitivity for probing cosmic dark ages and discovering more exoplanets.
Project details
Complex engineering project with multiple components
The construction of the array is said to be a highly complex engineering project. It would involve scientific instruments, relay satellites, robots, lunar surface logistics, and communication networks. The researchers from the China Academy of Space Technology and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory believe this project will drive innovation across multiple fields. It will also offer high scientific and technological value while strengthening China's position in deep-space exploration and astronomical research.