China is taking a giant leap in solar science with the construction of the world’s highest solar observatory in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province. On Tuesday, workers began building the supporting infrastructure for the 2.5-meter Wide-field and High-resolution Solar Telescope (WeHoST), marking a significant milestone in this groundbreaking project.
Led by Nanjing University, in collaboration with the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology and the Yunnan Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, WeHoST is poised to become the world’s largest axisymmetric solar telescope. The telescope’s construction officially commenced in 2022, and the supporting infrastructure and telescope assembly are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, followed by comprehensive system commissioning and testing.
Perched at an elevation of 4,700 meters on an unnamed mountain in Daocheng County, the observatory’s site boasts exceptional atmospheric stability and optimal conditions for solar observation. This high-altitude location will provide a critical foundation for acquiring world-class observational data, empowering scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of our sun.
“WeHoST will offer unprecedented capabilities with its combination of a wide field of view and high spatial resolution,” said a spokesperson from Nanjing University. “Its unique configuration will enable multi-band imaging and magnetic field observations, essential for investigating the origins and energy release mechanisms of major solar events like flares and coronal mass ejections.”
Scientists anticipate that WeHoST will lead to breakthrough discoveries concerning the origin and evolution of solar active regions, as well as the mechanisms driving solar eruptive phenomena. These insights are crucial for understanding space weather and its impact on Earth, including effects on satellite communications and power grids.
By advancing solar research, China is contributing significantly to global scientific knowledge and technological progress. The completion of WeHoST will not only enhance China’s capabilities in space science but also foster international collaboration in understanding our closest star.
