2024 Developments in China's Major Scientific Installations
Explore China's remarkable accomplishments in large-scale scientific facilities as of 2024. The article highlights the nation's advancements and innovations, showcasing how they have positioned themselves at the forefront of scientific research and technology. Discover the various projects and initiatives that underline China’s commitment to enhancing its scientific infrastructure and capabilities.
TroibNews 
In recent years, China has made notable progress in scientific research, particularly in the development and operation of large-scale research facilities. These efforts have not only resulted in major breakthroughs across diverse fields but have also fostered global scientific collaboration. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s worth highlighting some of China’s significant scientific achievements made possible by its key research infrastructures.
**China's FAST telescope discovers over 1,000 pulsars**
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope, China’s state-of-the-art radio telescope, has detected more than 1,000 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. This announcement was made in November by its operator, the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to the NAOC, FAST's discoveries exceed the total number of pulsars identified by all other international telescopes combined.
**China begins building phase II of spallation neutron source project**
In March 2024, construction on the second phase of China's Spallation Neutron Source—a pioneering facility for intense pulsed neutron beams—commenced. Situated in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, this expansion aims to enhance the facility's performance and provide greater experimental capabilities. The upgrade is expected to take five years and nine months to complete.
**China's transparent spherical neutrino detector reaches milestone when filled with ultrapure water**
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, recognized as the world's largest transparent spherical neutrino detector, marked a significant milestone when it was filled with ultrapure water in December. The core of JUNO consists of a liquid scintillator detector situated in a 44-meter-deep cylindrical pool within an underground hall, constructed deep within the granite of a hill in Kaiping, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. This advancement is a critical leap in particle physics and promises new tools for investigating the origins of the universe, particle interactions, and quantum mechanics. The successful development of this detector is expected to be an essential resource for global physics research in the future.
**China upgrades Shanghai synchrotron light source facility**
The upgraded Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, a vital scientific infrastructure located in eastern China, passed national inspection and acceptance in May 2024. This enhancement has significantly boosted the intensity and accuracy of the synchrotron radiation output, enabling progress in the fields of physics, materials science, and life sciences.
**Chinese scientists developed super intravital microscope**
Researchers from Tsinghua University have developed a super intravital microscope capable of observing the complete three-dimensional interactions within large-scale cell networks at the level of mammalian organs with low toxicity. Named RUSH3D, this innovative microscope is poised to provide important insights into the structures and functioning of neural circuits, thereby advancing the field of neuroscience.
**China's Einstein Probe discovers the 'fireworks' of the universe**
Launched in 2024, China’s Einstein Probe satellite has already achieved remarkable breakthroughs by capturing extraordinary astrophysical phenomena, described as the “fireworks” of the universe. These discoveries enhance our understanding of the universe’s evolution and the nature of black holes and other celestial objects, shedding light on fundamental questions in astrophysics.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
**China's FAST telescope discovers over 1,000 pulsars**
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope, China’s state-of-the-art radio telescope, has detected more than 1,000 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. This announcement was made in November by its operator, the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to the NAOC, FAST's discoveries exceed the total number of pulsars identified by all other international telescopes combined.
**China begins building phase II of spallation neutron source project**
In March 2024, construction on the second phase of China's Spallation Neutron Source—a pioneering facility for intense pulsed neutron beams—commenced. Situated in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, this expansion aims to enhance the facility's performance and provide greater experimental capabilities. The upgrade is expected to take five years and nine months to complete.
**China's transparent spherical neutrino detector reaches milestone when filled with ultrapure water**
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, recognized as the world's largest transparent spherical neutrino detector, marked a significant milestone when it was filled with ultrapure water in December. The core of JUNO consists of a liquid scintillator detector situated in a 44-meter-deep cylindrical pool within an underground hall, constructed deep within the granite of a hill in Kaiping, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. This advancement is a critical leap in particle physics and promises new tools for investigating the origins of the universe, particle interactions, and quantum mechanics. The successful development of this detector is expected to be an essential resource for global physics research in the future.
**China upgrades Shanghai synchrotron light source facility**
The upgraded Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, a vital scientific infrastructure located in eastern China, passed national inspection and acceptance in May 2024. This enhancement has significantly boosted the intensity and accuracy of the synchrotron radiation output, enabling progress in the fields of physics, materials science, and life sciences.
**Chinese scientists developed super intravital microscope**
Researchers from Tsinghua University have developed a super intravital microscope capable of observing the complete three-dimensional interactions within large-scale cell networks at the level of mammalian organs with low toxicity. Named RUSH3D, this innovative microscope is poised to provide important insights into the structures and functioning of neural circuits, thereby advancing the field of neuroscience.
**China's Einstein Probe discovers the 'fireworks' of the universe**
Launched in 2024, China’s Einstein Probe satellite has already achieved remarkable breakthroughs by capturing extraordinary astrophysical phenomena, described as the “fireworks” of the universe. These discoveries enhance our understanding of the universe’s evolution and the nature of black holes and other celestial objects, shedding light on fundamental questions in astrophysics.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
