Science & Tech · Space · 1 hr ago
China’s FAST telescope has discovered more than 1,300 pulsars
China’s 500-metre-wide FAST radio telescope is in Pingtang, Guizhou, and has been operating for 10 years.
It has discovered more than 1,300 pulsars, rapidly spinning stars that send out radio signals.
The telescope has also contributed to research on fast radio bursts, black holes and gravitational waves.
Its sensitive design helps it detect faint signals, but its ability to distinguish fine detail is a known weakness.
The team has developed domestic replacements for key equipment and software, reducing reliance on imported technology.
Since 2021, international research teams have been able to apply to use its observing resources.
The team is now working on an upgrade that would link FAST with other radio telescopes to improve resolution while retaining its high sensitivity.
China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has discovered more than 1,300 pulsars, according to China News Service.
The total is reported to exceed the combined number found over the same period by all other radio telescopes worldwide.
The telescope is in Pingtang, Guizhou, and was completed on September 25, 2016.
Its team has also reported advances in studies including fast radio bursts, black holes and gravitational waves.
FAST is now pursuing an upgrade intended to improve its resolution while retaining its high sensitivity.
- Who
- FAST and its research team, led in the article by Jia Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- What
- FAST has discovered more than 1,300 pulsars and reported other research advances.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026; it says FAST was completed on September 25, 2016.
- Where
- Pingtang, Guizhou, China.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Continuous production of top scientific results is what truly reflects the value of FAST.
FAST has enabled Chinese astronomers to stand at the forefront of humanity’s view.
FAST was completed in Pingtang, Guizhou.
FAST began accepting observation applications from the global scientific community.
China News Service reported that FAST had discovered more than 1,300 pulsars.
- Pulsars discovered
- More than 1,300
- Location
- Pingtang, Guizhou
- Telescope aperture
- 500 metres
- Completion date
- September 25, 2016
- Global observation applications opened
- March 31, 2021
Sources
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