Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope

5 comments

Aperture Spherical, we do what we must because we can...

For the good of all of us, except for those who are Companion Cubes!
- I was having a good night and you go and mention the companion cube. Poor thing. I didn't have a choice!
What do they do if it rains? Is there a drain in the center?

More than just the construction, I'm always fascinated by how they keep these things clean and working well.
- My understanding is that the dish isn't actually solid but rather a metal mesh.
  
  Makes perfect sense:
  
  The reflector is made of perforated aluminium panels supported by a mesh of steel cables hanging from the rim.
  
  Thank you for mentioning that!