To provide a state-of-the-art world class platform for astronomical research in China,Peking University is leading a joint effort to build a large aperture,segmented mirror,general-purpose optical telescope(Expandable Aperture Segmented Telescope;EAST),with an expected completion date of 2030.EAST will be hosted at the Lenghu astronomical observatory base in Haixi Prefecture,Qinghai Province.The plan is to construct in two phases given the large size of primary mirror(with an expandable aperture from 6 meters to 8 meters),significantly improving China,s observational capabilities in optical astronomy,providing a competitive follow-up for the upcoming China Space Station Telescope(CSST)as well as the telescopes in other wavelengths such as the already built China,s biggest radio telescope(FAST)and recently launched X-ray telescope Einstein Probe(EP),and ensuring the production of world-class scientific achievements.EAST will also accumulate valuable technic experiences for China,s future construction of larger aperture ground optical telescopes and the launch of large space segmented telescopes.As a general purpose optical telescope,EAST will meet the urgent needs of Chinese astronomers for diversified optical observations to the greatest extent,and play an important role in broad scientific research areas from planets to stars,and from galaxies to cosmology in the coming decades.
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