China deploys superior photo voltaic telescope to measure magnetic fields with unprecedented accuracy
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 24, 2025
The Correct Infrared Magnetic Subject Measurements of the Solar (AIMS) is now operational in Lenghu township, Qinghai province, at roughly 4,000 meters altitude. This photo voltaic magnetic-field telescope is the primary on the planet to operate within the mid-infrared wavelength vary, marking important progress within the direct measurement of the solar’s magnetic subject.
For many years, measurements relied on oblique strategies, limiting precision. AIMS was developed to beat these challenges, advancing from a conventional 100-gauss precision to measurements higher than 10-gauss accuracy. Deng Yuanyong of the Nationwide Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese language Academy of Sciences, who led the mission, affirmed, “The solar, being the one star we will observe with excessive precision, has a magnetic subject that acts because the power change driving intense photo voltaic actions equivalent to flares and coronal mass ejections. But, greater than half the solar’s total magnetic subject manifestations are comparatively weak, with strengths of only some dozen gauss.”
All core elements of the telescope are domestically produced, contributing to China’s capabilities in astronomical instrument innovation. The telescope makes use of an off-axis optical system to cut back interference from the excessive environmental background of the mid-infrared vary and integrates cooling and filtering applied sciences to spice up magnetic subject measurement accuracy.
AIMS options an infrared-separating spectrograph for high-resolution spectral imaging of the photo voltaic ambiance. The group additionally created a novel polarization modulation method and a polarization-aberration-free optical system utilizing 5 reflective mirrors to reduce instrumental errors. Deng Yuanyong acknowledged, “It’s the world’s first photo voltaic magnetic-field telescope working within the mid-infrared wavelength vary and China’s first astronomical instrument to work on this band.”
The brand new facility expects about 250 days of commentary yearly, climate allowing, with knowledge anticipated to assist photo voltaic physics analysis and enhance area climate prediction. Worldwide collaboration is a future objective for the mission group.
Associated Hyperlinks
Chinese Academy of Sciences
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