The 1.93-m optical telescope is jointly built by Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO), Beijing Normal University, Nanjing Institute of Astronomy and Optical Telescope, Xinjiang University and the local government of Kizilsu Kirghis Autonomous Prefecture. The five sides agreed to spare no efforts to accelerate the construction of the telescope with cutting-edge technologies.

"The telescope represented not only a significant step to the optical facility construction in the western China, but also a vigorous promotion for the scientific development and talent cultivation in Kizilsu Kirghis Autonomous Prefecture," said Dr. WANG Na, director of XAO.

Construction of the 1.93-m optical telescope kicked off at the Muztagh station of XAO on May 27. The telescope will make significant contributions to deep space exploration, study of gravitational waves, supernove, AGN, exoplanet search and near-Earth object monitoring.  

"The cold and dry high-altitude climates together with a sparse population far away from the city make the Muztagh site one of the most preferred site for optical observations, and we look forward that more astronomical institutes will be attracted to establish their telescopes at Muztagh site in the future, and we believe that the site will be a shinning pearl at the Silk Road Economic Belt,” said WANG.