南非MeerKAT射电望远镜
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国际大科学工程中的中国贡献——实地探访平方公里阵列射电望远镜南非台址
Xin Hua Wang· 2025-10-01 07:05
Core Insights - The article highlights China's significant contributions to the international scientific project, the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), which is the world's largest radio telescope project, involving multiple countries [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The SKA consists of two parts: a low-frequency array in Australia and a mid-frequency array in South Africa and eight other Southern African countries, named for its total receiving area of approximately one square kilometer [1]. - The MeerKAT radio telescope, a precursor to the SKA, features 64 hexagonal dishes, each with a diameter of 13.5 meters, located in the Karoo region of South Africa [1]. Group 2: China's Contributions - China has provided 64 mid-frequency antennas for the SKA, with 3 already installed and 1 undergoing testing, showcasing its role as a primary contractor for the antenna structure [2]. - The mid-frequency antennas are critical components of the SKA, with their main and secondary reflectors designed and manufactured by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation [2][3]. - The antennas consist of 66 individual panels, each requiring sub-millimeter precision adjustments to ensure smooth reflective surfaces, essential for collecting radio waves from space [2]. Group 3: Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration - China has also contributed to the development of the servo control system for the antennas, enhancing their pointing accuracy to achieve the scientific goals of the SKA [3]. - As a key participant in the SKA regional science center, China collaborates with international teams to process and understand the data generated by the telescopes in South Africa and Australia [3]. Group 4: International Cooperation - The SKA project fosters collaboration among countries, uniting efforts to address cosmic questions and mysteries, emphasizing the importance of joint endeavors in scientific exploration [4]. - South African officials expressed gratitude towards China for its core support and commitment to the scientific, technological, and innovation systems in South Africa [4].