FAST, or the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope, is so large it had to be built into a valley in Guizhou province in south-west China.
It will let astronomers map hydrogen gas in the Milky Way galaxy, hunt for rotating neutron stars known as pulsars and look for signals of extraterrestrial intelligence.
Originally published by Cosmos as Heavenly Chinese dish
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.