China to Launch Most Powerful Sky Survey Telescope in the Northern Hemisphere Beijing, China is set to launch a revolutionary wide-field survey telescope that will be the most powerful sky survey telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, according to official reports. The telescope, named the Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST), was co-developed by the University of Science and Technology of China and the Purple Mountain Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The WFST, measuring 2.5 meters in diameter, will enable scientists to monitor dynamic astronomical events and conduct time domain astronomical observation research, providing valuable insights into celestial phenomena.

Lou Zheng, the chief engineer of the observatory's Qinghai observation station, stated that the telescope will have the capability to detect faint and distant celestial signals, including those from galaxies and galaxy clusters outside the Milky Way. Kong Xu, the project's chief designer at the University of Science and Technology of China, proudly proclaimed that the WFST will become the most powerful sky survey telescope in the Northern Hemisphere. This state-of-the-art technology will greatly enhance China's near-Earth object monitoring and early warning capabilities, aiding in space research and exploration.

The WFST project, nicknamed after the ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi, began construction in July 2019 in Lenghu Town, a region known as China's Mars Camp due to its Mars-like desert landscape. Lenghu Town boasts clear night skies, stable atmospheric conditions, a dry climate, and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for astronomical observation. Since 2020, Lenghu has attracted numerous scientific research institutions and telescope projects, with a total investment of approximately 2.7 billion yuan ($370 million USD). Upon completion, the town is poised to become the largest astronomical observation base in Asia, shining a new light on China's advancements in space technology.

Pakistani Court Sentences Four to Death for Blasphemy on Social Media A Pakistani court has delivered death sentences to four individuals for committing blasphemy on social media, according to the country's top investigating agency. Additional District Sessions Judge Ahsan Mahmood Malik handed down the sentences on Monday, stating that each of the four youths was also sentenced to 28 years in jail for blasphemy against the Quran. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) identified the convicts as Muhammad Amin, Wazir Gul, Faizan Razaak, and Muhammad Rizwan, who are all in their 20s. They were found guilty of posting blasphemous material against the Prophet on Facebook. A fifth suspect, Usman Liaqat, received seven years of imprisonment.

The FIA's anti-cyber-crime wing arrested the suspects last year after receiving a complaint from Omar Nawaz, who accused them of sharing blasphemous content about the Prophet and Quran on social media. The investigating agency presented forensic evidence of their social media accounts during the trial, ultimately leading to their conviction. Blasphemy is an extremely sensitive issue in Pakistan, where insulting Islam or Islamic figures can result in the death penalty. Such accusations often trigger riots and incite acts of violence, including lynching and killings.

The court's ruling emphasized the severity of blasphemy against the Prophet and Quran, stating that these crimes are unforgivable and undeserving of any leniency. This case highlights the challenges surrounding freedom of speech and religious sensitivities in Pakistan, as authorities navigate the delicate balance between preserving religious beliefs and upholding individual rights.