The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

Blog Credit : Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy : Google

The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

China has recently inaugurated the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye” radio/millimetre-wave telescope. This facility is situated at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica and marks advancement in China’s astronomical research capabilities. The telescope is designed to study interstellar gas, particularly hydrogen and ammonia, and to investigate star formation processes.

About the Telescope

The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye is a 3.2-metre aperture telescope. It has been co-developed by China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University. This initiative builds on previous projects, notably the Antarctic Survey Telescopes (AST3). The telescope aims to provide critical data on the dynamics of interstellar gas and star formation.

Technical Innovations

Developing the telescope required overcoming technical challenges. Antarctica’s extreme cold and strong winds posed serious obstacles. Researchers adapted the telescope’s equipment to endure sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds. This innovation is crucial for future submillimeter-wave telescopes in the region.

Scientific Objectives

The primary scientific focus of the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye includes studying the Milky Way’s neutral hydrogen and ammonia spectral lines. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of cosmic phenomena and the processes involved in star formation.

Importance of Antarctic Research

Antarctica offers unique conditions for astronomical observations due to its clear atmospheric environment. The deployment of the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye enhances China’s capabilities in this field. It reflects a commitment to advancing global astronomical research from one of the planet’s most isolated locations.

Future Plans

Once operational, the telescope will facilitate further research expeditions. China Three Gorges University plans to send teams to the Zhongshan Station for on-site scientific investigations. This initiative marks the role of academic institutions in driving innovation and scientific exploration.

Related Observatories Worldwide

Other notable observatories include:

• INO (India-based Neutrino Observatory):Located in Tamil Nadu, focusing on solar and atmospheric neutrinos.
• IceCube Neutrino Observatory:Situated in the USA’s South Pole, it studies cosmic neutrinos using deep ice.
• JUNO (Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory):Set to become operational in late 2025 in China, focusing on neutrinos from Earth and the sun.
• DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment):Scheduled for around 2030 in the USA, it will investigate neutrino oscillation and supernova bursts.
• TRIDENT (Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope):Positioned in the South China Sea, aiming to study deep-sea neutrino activity.

 

 

Bl0g By : Trupti Thakur