The Unsung Ally｜The Telescope Observing the Sun's "Sneezes"

Among the mountains of Daocheng County in Southwest China, at an altitude of over 3,800 meters, is a site that could be mistaken for the setting of a science fiction movie. This one-kilometer-diameter ring of 313 antennas centered on a calibration tower forms the world's largest synthesis aperture radio telescope – the Daocheng Solar Radio Telescope. Its main function is to observe the sun's "sneezes", in other words solar eruptions, and their impact on interstellar space. The data helps scientists to predict and assess the potential threat from solar activity to high-tech systems such as space projects and satellite communication. This advanced telescope demonstrates to the world China's strength in scientific and technological innovation.