Shanghai celebrated the completion of the 65-meter-caliber Radio Telescope of Shanghai and the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SAO) in Sheshan scenic spot in Songjiang district on Oct 29.

The 65m-caliber Radio Telescope of Shanghai is a key cooperative project jointly undertaken by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Shanghai municipal people's government beginning October 2008.

Built through joint contributions from the CAS, Shanghai government and Chinese special funds from the Lunar Exploration Program, the telescope is a large radio telescope with multiple scientific applications. It is located at the SAO on Sheshan Mountain, Songjiang district. The SAO is in charge of its operation.

The SAO also volunteered to launch astronomical activities to popularize scientific knowledge. The completion of the new telescope marks a high point in China's deep-space exploration. It will promote China's overall strength and international status in astronomical observation research.

The SAO has been one of the most time-honored observatories in China. Its predecessor was Xujiahui Observatory built in 1872 and Sheshan Observatory built in 1900. In 1962, these two observatories were merged into Shanghai Astronomical Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

New telescope unveils in Shanghai