China's Major Exoplanet-Seeking Telescope Set to Commence Operations in 2026

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the developing force behind a robust spectroscopic telescope for exoplanet search, has announced that this significant scientific tool is set to be fully operational in northwest China by 2026.

The construction of the telescope, christened Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope (JUST), will take place on Saishiteng Mountain, adjacent to the town of Lenghu. This location has been chosen due to the existing astronomy observation site established by China's Qinghai Province.

JUST, boasting a 4.4-meter aperture, endorses rapid toggling among target sources thereby facilitating timely spectral observations. It is expected to bring forth innovative findings in multiple research spheres, including time-domain astronomy and exoplanet exploration, according to the university's scientists.

In an earlier statement this month, the university emphasized, "For a substantial duration, the telescope will continue to be the most advanced spectral telescope in China."

Equipped with a high-precision spectrometer, JUST is the first of its kind to permit concurrent multi-target and high-precision spectral observations globally. As highlighted by the developing team, this feature will considerably improve the effectiveness of exoplanet detection.

Mathilde Moreau