The main antenna of China's 40-meter-aperture radio telescope was hoisted and installed on Friday in Shigatse, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.
Developed by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the basic construction of the fully movable, high-precision, multi-purpose telescope is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024, with an initial observation capability in early 2025.
The radio telescope is built about 35 kilometers to the west of Shigatse's city center, at an altitude of about 4,100 meters where electromagnetic wave interference is limited.
Upon completion of the construction, the telescope will be included into a very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) network in China that is comprised of radio telescope stations located across the country and a VLBI data processing center under the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory to help support the country's deep-space exploration.
VLBI is a technique that measures the time difference between the arrivals at multiple Earth-based antennas, thus simulating a virtual telescope with a size equal to the maximum separation between the telescopes. The VLBI network will link radio telescopes scattered across the country to form a giant hyper high-precision synthesis aperture radio telescope, offering technical support for lunar and planetary exploration, and manned lunar landing missions for China in the future.
Main antenna reflector of radio telescope in Xizang installed
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
