Pulsars, or fast-spinning neutron stars, are believed to originate in the imploded cores of massive dying stars after supernova explosions. With their high density and fast rotations, pulsars are an ideal laboratory for studying the laws of physics in extreme environments.

Using FAST, scientists have also detected the largest set of fast radio bursts, or FRB, which may help clarify the origins of mysterious signals from deep space. FAST should be able to detect up to 120,000 FRB daily with high sensitivity.

In addition, researchers believe FAST will be able to see images from the boundary of the universe in eight to 10 years.

China Daily interviewed Lin Hao, first-level inspector of the Guizhou Science and Technology Department and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, together with Jiang Peng, chief engineer of FAST at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to introduce some of the highlights of the device.