China Plans Giant Moon Telescope to Unlock Secrets of the Early Universe

Chinese scientists have proposed an ambitious plan to build a massive radio telescope array on the far side of the Moon, aiming to explore the universe’s earliest days before the first stars ignited. If approved, this could become the first operational lunar radio observatory, providing groundbreaking insights into the cosmic "dark ages"—a period that remains one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics.

A Telescope Beyond Earth’s Limits

The proposed telescope, spanning 30 kilometers, would consist of 7,200 butterfly-shaped wire antennas designed to detect ultra-long wavelength cosmic signals. These signals, which are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, hold crucial information about the universe's infancy, helping scientists understand how the first structures formed in deep space.

Unlike previous proposals by the United States, China’s version could be realized within a decade, thanks to its rapid advancements in lunar exploration. The project is expected to leverage upcoming robotic and crewed Moon missions, as well as the International Lunar Research Station, a China-led initiative set to take shape by 2035.

Step-by-Step Construction on the Moon

Given the immense complexity of building such an array, the Chinese research team has outlined a phased approach:

1. Initial Deployment (1-3 Years) – The Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions will place a 4x4 unit of 16 antennas on the lunar surface. This will allow scientists to map the cosmic radio background and test the telescope’s capabilities.

2. Expansion Phase (3-5 Years) – A core section with around 100 antennas will be deployed using multiple rocket launches. Astronauts will play a key role in setting up this phase during extravehicular activities.

3. Full Deployment (5-10 Years) – With support from China’s lunar research base, the final expansion will see all 7,200 antennas assembled, creating one of the most powerful radio observatories ever conceived.

Why the Moon’s Far Side?

The Moon’s far side is the most radio-quiet location in the solar system, free from interference caused by Earth’s atmosphere and human-made signals. This makes it an ideal location for studying ultra-low frequency radio waves that could reveal hidden details about the universe’s earliest moments.

A Race for Lunar Astronomy

China is not alone in exploring this frontier. NASA had previously proposed the Lunar Crater Radio Telescope (LCRT) in 2021, a concept involving a 1-km-wide dish suspended inside a lunar crater. However, China’s phased approach and its ongoing lunar missions could give it an edge in establishing the first working Moon-based radio telescope.

If successful, this project could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos, unlocking secrets from a time before the first galaxies were born and paving the way for even more ambitious deep-space exploration.