Core Viewpoint - The construction of China's first self-developed 15-meter diameter submillimeter wave telescope (XSMT) has officially commenced in Delingha, Qinghai Province, aiming for completion by 2027, which will position China at the forefront of submillimeter astronomy with an internationally advanced telescope [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The XSMT is led by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and features a high-precision antenna panel capable of supporting high-frequency submillimeter wave observations [1] - The telescope is equipped with advanced scientific instruments, including a large-field multi-color camera, a three-band superheterodyne receiver, and a 460GHz multi-beam receiver, enabling wideband, wide-field, and high-sensitivity observations [1] Group 2: Scientific Significance - The submillimeter wave range, defined as electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 0.1 to 1 millimeter, reveals phenomena not visible in the optical and near-infrared spectrum, such as the movement of interstellar dust, distribution of molecular gas, and the birth and growth of stars [1] - The development of this telescope addresses a significant gap in China's astronomical capabilities, particularly in the submillimeter wave domain [1]

Core Points - The construction of the 15-meter submillimeter wave telescope project (XSMT) at Snow Mountain Pasture was launched on September 20 in Delingha, Qinghai [1][2] - Submillimeter wave observation can penetrate interstellar dust, revealing hidden cold dark interstellar atomic and molecular gases, and is crucial for understanding galaxy formation and evolution [1] - The project aims to address China's shortcomings in submillimeter wave astronomical observation and will support cutting-edge research in astronomy [1] Project Details - The telescope will be located at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters in Delingha, Qinghai, and will include supporting facilities such as an observation room, solar panels, energy cabin, and generator room [1] - The project is expected to be completed by 2027 and will be the first fully independently developed submillimeter wave ground observation equipment in China with international advanced standards [1] - The telescope will focus on four core scientific directions: extragalactic astronomy, galactic science, time-domain astronomy, and astrochemistry, with a working frequency range of 85 GHz to 500 GHz [1][2] Future Implications - Once completed, the telescope is expected to drive breakthroughs in fields such as galaxy formation and evolution, galactic structure, interstellar chemistry, and time-domain astronomy [2] - It may also contribute to the next generation of event horizon telescopes, aiding in capturing dynamic images of black holes [2]

Core Insights - The XSMT project, a 15-meter submillimeter wave telescope, has been launched in Delingha, Qinghai, to enhance China's capabilities in submillimeter astronomical observation, addressing a long-standing gap in the field [1][2] - The telescope will operate in the frequency range of 85GHz to 500GHz and focus on four core scientific directions: extragalactic astronomy, galactic science, time-domain astronomy, and astrochemistry [2] Project Details - The construction site is located at an altitude of approximately 4800 meters in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture [1] - The project includes the main telescope and supporting facilities such as an observation room, solar panels, an energy cabin, and a generator room [1] - The project is expected to be completed by 2027 and will be the first domestically developed submillimeter wave ground observation equipment with international advanced standards [1] Scientific Contributions - The telescope aims to facilitate breakthroughs in understanding galaxy formation and evolution, the structure of the Milky Way, interstellar chemistry, and time-domain astronomy [2] - It is anticipated that the telescope will contribute to the next generation of event horizon telescopes, aiding in capturing dynamic images of black holes [2]

Core Viewpoint - The construction of China's first self-developed 15-meter diameter submillimeter wave telescope (XSMT) has officially commenced, aimed at enhancing the country's capabilities in astronomical observation and research [1][5]. Group 1: Telescope Specifications and Features - The XSMT features a 15-meter diameter high-precision antenna panel, supporting high-frequency submillimeter wave observations [1]. - It is equipped with advanced scientific instruments, including a large field multi-color camera, a three-band superheterodyne receiver, and a 460GHz multi-beam receiver, enabling wideband, broad field, and high-sensitivity observations [1]. Group 2: Importance of Submillimeter Wave Observations - Submillimeter waves, with wavelengths between 0.1 to 1 millimeter, reveal cosmic secrets that are invisible to visible light and near-infrared observations, such as the movement of interstellar dust, distribution of molecular gas, and the birth and growth of stars [2]. - Traditional visible light telescopes struggle to penetrate cosmic dust, while submillimeter wave observations can uncover the laws of galaxy formation and evolution, as well as trace the origins of life-related molecules, playing a crucial role in studying the formation of stars and planets [2]. Group 3: Strategic Significance and Future Impact - The establishment of the XSMT addresses the historical weakness in China's submillimeter wave astronomical observation capabilities, filling a significant gap in the country's observational facilities [5]. - Once operational, the telescope is expected to drive breakthroughs in fields such as galaxy formation and evolution, galactic structure, interstellar chemistry, and time-domain astronomy, and will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary applications in atmospheric science and large-capacity space-ground communication [7].