Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFAST was finished in 2016 and is currently at early-research stages. China plans to open it to researches around the world. Located at a very radio-quiet region 1,240 miles southwest of Beijing, it has up ten times the potential to discover signals produced by distant, alien civilizations. It might even help locate an alien homeworld.
Apart from the obligatory extraterrestrial life hunting, the telescope will also become handy in a number of different ways, for example, detecting low-frequency gravitational ways and discovering brand new information about the universe.
The massive, 1,650-foot-wide satellite dish and the accompanying research facilities cost $180 million and consists of 4,450 individual parts. If you want to put it into perspective, it is roughly as big as 30 football fields.
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, or FAST, is a radio telescope located in the Dawodang depression, a natural basin in Pingtang Country, southwest China.
It has a novel design, using an active surface made of 4,500 panels to form a moving parabola of metal panels in real time.
Construction of FAST began in 2011. It observed first light in September 2016, and after three years of testing and commissioning, it was declared fully operational on January 11, 2020.
What can FAST do?
Expected to map the neutral hydrogen gas in the Milky Way Galaxy at a very high resolution and increase the number of known pulsars, FAST can detect radio emissions from extrasolar planets that are similar to Jupiter. It should also be able to search for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence around many more stars. According to the FAST website, the objectives are:
– Pulsar observations
– Large scale neutral hydrogen survey
– Detection of interstellar molecules
– Leading the international very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) network
– Detecting interstellar communication signals
– Pulsar timing arrays
The telescope joined the Breakthrough Listen SETI project in October 2016 to search for intelligent extraterrestrial communications in the Universe.
Overview of the Project
FAST has a reflecting surface 500 meters in diameter located in a natural sinkhole in the karst rock landscape. This helps focusing radio waves on a receiving antenna in a feed cabin suspended 460ft above it. Made of perforated aluminum panels, the reflector is supported by a mesh of steel cables hanging from the rim.
The surface is made of 4,450 triangular panels, 36ft on a side, in the form of a geodesic dome.
Above the reflector, there is a lightweight feed cabin moved by a cable robot using winch servomechanism on six support towers. The receiving antennas are mounted below this on a Stewarrt platform, providing fine position control.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Excellent Optics】Astronomical telescope features 80mm aperture 600mm(f/6.7) focal length-The big aperture can capture more light; high transmission multi-fully coated optical lens can improve light transmittance, reduce the reflection of light. It will bring you more bright and clear images.
- 【Portable & Stable】Our refractor telescope has a backbag, an adjustable aluminum tripod and an upgraded phone adapter. All accessories can be packed into the bag, which is convenient for you to carry and storage for traveling. The tripod is stable and the height can adjust from 17.7" to 52", which is suitable for adults and kids. With the phone adapter, you can take amazing photos through your phone.
- 【Easy to Operate】 This telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. You can set up easily with the detail installation manual and video. No tools are required. It’s a great astronomy gift telescope for adults, astronomy enthusiasts, beginners and kids 8-12.
- 【Optimum Magnification】Our telescope for kids and adults is equipped with two replaceable excellent-quality eyepiecesa (20mm and 9mm) for 30X and 66X magnification. A moon filter transmits only 13 percent of the incoming light and improving contrast. Also with 5x24 finderscope, you can locate objects easily. A great option for astronomy lovers to explore the moon, Saturn and Jupiter.
- 【Satisfaction Service】We provide 3 years satisfaction service. If you have any questions about the product and service, please feel free to contact us to get 24-hour technical support from our expert team. Whether observing moon or viewing planets, our telescope can meet your all needs. It’s a great telescope for adults & 8-12 kids & astronomy beginners.
The maximum zenith angle is 40 degrees when the effective illuminated aperture is reduced to 200m. It is also 26.4 degrees when the effected illuminated aperture is 300m without loss.
The working frequency range of FAST is 70 MHz to 3.0 GHz, with the upper limit set by the precision with which the primary can approximate a parabola.
FAST vs. Arecibo Telescope
The basic design of FAST is similar to the former Arecibo telescope. Both projects had reflectors installed in natural hollows within karst limestone, and made of perforated aluminum panels with a movable receiver suspended above.
Also, both telescopes had an effective aperture smaller than the physical size of the primary. Yet, there are many differences between the two, not just in size. Yes, the idea of a large spherical dish in a karst depression is rooted in Arecibo telescope. Here are some differences.
For example, Arecibo’s dish was fixed in a spherical shape. Yes, it was suspended from steel cables with support underneath, but they were manually operated and adjusted only during maintenance. Simply said, Arecibo has a fixed spherical shape with two additional suspended reflectors.
The second difference is Arecibo’s receiver platform was fixed in place. The primary support cables were static, with the only motorized portion being three hold-down winches which compensated for the thermal expansion.
Third difference is Arecibo could receive higher frequencies.
Fourth, FAST dish is significantly deeper, which contributes to a wider field of view. FAST’s radius of curvature if 980ft, barely larger than the one of Arecibo, 870ft.
Fifth, and last difference, Arecibo’s larger secondary platform housed several transmitters, making it one of only two instruments in the world capable of radar astronomy.
Rank #2
- Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect full positive telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
- Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
- Satisfaction: Buy with confidence from a leading manufacturer.
Eye in the Sky
The complex project has seen its fair share of challenges before it was declared fully operational. For starters, it has a radical design. Initially, FAST struggled to attract staff because of its remove location. Yet, the pay-off for science will be immense.
Testing began in 2016, with only Chinese scientists able to lead projects studying the preliminary data of the telescope. Now, observation time will be accessible to researchers from around the worwld.
Known as Eye of Heaven, the instrument examines only a tiny fraction of the sky at any one time. This might make it unlikely to discover many new FRBs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS ANYWHERE: Unlike many beginner telescopes, this quality refractor features fully coated glass lenses and a 70mm aperture for crisp, clear views of the Moon, planets, and daytime scenery—all in a lightweight, travel-ready design.
- PERFECT FIRST TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: Designed for adults and kids to enjoy together, this beginner-friendly telescope sets up in minutes and delivers rewarding views with no prior experience required.
- EASY NO-TOOL SETUP: No complicated assembly or tools needed. The full-height tripod and telescope tube set up in seconds and pack neatly into the included backpack—so you’re always ready to observe on the go.
- DUAL EYEPIECES FOR VERSATILE VIEWS: Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces for wide and close-up views of celestial and terrestrial targets. Spot craters on the Moon at night or wildlife during the day.
- BONUS BACKPACK AND SOFTWARE: Includes a padded backpack with room for accessories, a finderscope, star diagonal, eyepieces, and a free download of Starry Night software to help you identify celestial objects and plan your next stargazing session.
Rank #4
- Superior Optics: Dianfan astronomy telescope features a focal length of 800 mm and a fully coated 90 mm objective lens. The large aperture gathers more light for brighter, clearer views, high-transmission coatings enhance contrast and color for sharp, vivid images for an enjoyable stargazing experience
- Powerful Magnification: With two eyepieces and a 3× Barlow lens, this telescope offers 32×–240× magnification. It allows you to observe craters and lunar seas on the surface of the Moon. With the 45° zenith mirror, images are upright and correctly oriented for terrestrial viewing, making distant targets details easier to observe. The telescope is ideal for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts
- Quick Setup & Beginner-Friendly: User-friendly design with clear instructions makes assembly simple—ready in about 15 minutes. Smooth focusing helps you quickly locate targets. Perfect for families to enjoy stargazing and explore the night sky together
- Portable & Versatile: Lightweight design with a sturdy stainless steel tripod ensures stable, steady viewing. Easy to carry in the included bag, making it perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Suitable for stargazing, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and exploring cityscapes
- Professional Astronomical Telescope: The Dianfan 90x800 telescope combines quality , functionality and reliability. It delivers high-resolution views that bring the universe closer. Designed for adults high powered, it inspires interest in astronomy and science while encouraging exploration of the starry sky
Rank #3
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
Say something about this film