China has launched its latest scientific breakthrough, the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,” a powerful 3.2-meter aperture radio/millimeter-wave telescope. The telescope, unveiled on April 3 at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, showcases the country’s growing presence in Antarctic astronomy. The project is a collaboration between China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU).
The “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye” is designed to study the Milky Way’s neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecular spectral lines. This research is crucial for understanding interstellar gas dynamics and star formation processes. The successful deployment of the telescope marks a significant milestone in China’s space exploration efforts.
Zhang Yi, an associate professor at SHNU, highlighted that the telescope overcomes critical technical barriers in Antarctic observatory construction. “This telescope breaks through major technical bottlenecks and paves the way for future submillimeter-wave telescopes,” Zhang explained. With its ability to observe a range of radio and low-frequency millimeter-wave bands, the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye” will push the limits of next-generation Antarctic astronomy.
However, the project faced considerable challenges. Antarctica’s extreme cold and intense winds made developing and installing the telescope a difficult task. Since 2023, CTGU and SHNU researchers have worked tirelessly to adapt the equipment to endure harsh conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds.
He Weijun, Party chief of CTGU, emphasized the importance of the telescope. He stated that its operation highlights CTGU’s achievements in polar research and showcases China’s dedication to scientific innovation. Once fully operational, CTGU plans to send researchers to Zhongshan Station for on-site expeditions.
This deployment further strengthens China’s expanding role in Antarctic astronomy. It builds on previous initiatives like the Antarctic Survey Telescopes AST3, advancing the global study of cosmic phenomena from one of Earth’s most remote and pristine locations.
