FAST Radio Telescope, Guizhou Province
Photo: SCJiang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, nestled in a natural karst depression in the mountains of Guizhou Province, China. The massive dish spans exactly 500 meters in diameter, surpassing Puerto Rico's famous Arecibo Observatory that previously held the record. Completed in 2016 after five years of construction, the telescope sits in a remote valley surrounded by limestone hills, its reflective panels creating an almost otherworldly sight against the rugged landscape. The facility represents China's ambitious entry into cutting-edge astronomical research and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Timeline
Construction of FAST radio telescope begins in Guizhou Province
FAST construction completed, becoming world's largest single-dish radio telescope
Telescope begins operations for astronomical research and SETI programs
What the Show Claims
- ›China's construction of the world's largest radio telescope explicitly aimed at searching for extraterrestrial intelligence suggests the Chinese government already knows aliens exist and is attempting to make further contactS11E09
- ›The telescope's construction follows up on millennia of alleged alien visitation to ChinaS11E09
Theorist Takes
“Are they merely following up on their history? Because China, as with every other ancient culture, was visited by extraterrestrials. What is their interest in exploring deep space?”
From the Transcripts
“Guizhou Province, China. 2011. Construction commences on a massive engineering and scientific endeavor. A 500-meter telescope, also known as FAST.”
What Archaeology Says
While FAST is a modern construction rather than an archaeological site, its creation represents a fascinating intersection of ancient landscapes and cutting-edge technology. The telescope was built in a natural karst depression that formed over millions of years through geological processes, with the limestone terrain providing an ideal foundation for the massive structure. The site required the relocation of approximately 9,000 local residents to create the necessary radio-quiet zone around the facility.
The engineering achievement of FAST is remarkable, involving over 4,000 triangular aluminum panels that can be precisely adjusted to focus radio waves from different parts of the sky. Chinese scientists and engineers, led by the project's chief scientist Nan Rendong, designed the telescope to be significantly more sensitive than its predecessors, capable of detecting much weaker radio signals from deep space.
The scientific consensus views FAST as a landmark astronomical instrument designed primarily for studying pulsars, mapping hydrogen gas in the Milky Way, and conducting systematic searches for radio signals that might indicate extraterrestrial intelligence. The telescope's capabilities far exceed previous instruments, allowing astronomers to peer deeper into space and detect fainter signals than ever before.
What remains genuinely intriguing about FAST is its potential for unexpected discoveries. Like many major telescopes throughout history, FAST may uncover phenomena that scientists haven't yet anticipated, making it a powerful tool for both planned research and serendipitous astronomical discoveries.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
FAST's dish is large enough to hold 30 football fields and took five years to construct
The telescope can detect radio signals so weak they would be equivalent to spotting a cellphone signal from Jupiter
Over 9,000 local residents were relocated to create the necessary radio-quiet zone around the facility
The telescope's 500-meter diameter made it the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, surpassing Puerto Rico's Arecibo Observatory
Planning a Visit
FAST is located in a remote mountainous region and access is generally restricted due to its sensitive scientific operations and the need to maintain a radio-quiet environment. Organized tours may be available through local tourism authorities, but visitors should check current access policies and advance booking requirements.
Guiyang, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of the telescope site
The mountainous region of Guizhou experiences a subtropical climate, with spring and autumn generally offering the most comfortable weather conditions. Summer months can be quite humid and rainy.
Related Sites
Big Ear Radio Telescope, Ohio State University
Both FAST and Big Ear are radio telescopes associated with SETI research and the search for extraterrestrial signals
Roswell
Roswell represents another key location in discussions about government knowledge of extraterrestrial contact
White Sands Proving Ground
White Sands is another modern site where theorists suggest advanced technology testing may connect to extraterrestrial knowledge