The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope, known as FAST, recently marked its 10th anniversary since construction completion. Located in China's Guizhou province, the facility operates as the world's largest single-dish radio telescope.
The telescope's ring support structure rests on 50 columns without traditional welded joints. To manage thermal expansion and contraction, engineers installed sliding supports at the top of each column, allowing the ring to move freely while maintaining structural integrity.
The telescope's massive reflective surface features a perforated design with 50 percent light transmittance. This configuration prevents water accumulation during rain, reduces wind load, and allows sunlight to reach the vegetation growing beneath the structure.
