China Unveils Revolutionary CHORUS Spectrograph at Gran Telescopio Canarias

This week marked a pivotal moment in the field of astronomy as China’s National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC) unveiled the CHORUS spectrograph in Tenerife. This advanced instrument, designed for high stability, promises to significantly enhance our understanding of the cosmos.

CHORUS, which stands for Canary Hybrid Optical high-Resolution Ultra-stable Spectrograph, is set to be integrated into the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the world’s largest optical telescope. The announcement was made during the China–Spain Astronomical Collaboration on High-Resolution Spectroscopy 2025 conference, hosted by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). This event brought together leading experts from various institutions to discuss the future of astronomical research.

Unprecedented Stability for Enhanced Detection

The CHORUS spectrograph is engineered to achieve a level of stability that far exceeds that of existing instruments at the GTC. This remarkable stability is crucial for detecting minute variations in radial velocity, which are essential for identifying Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars. Such capabilities are vital in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life and understanding planetary systems.

Beyond its role in exoplanet detection, CHORUS will also facilitate in-depth analysis of the composition of the oldest stars in the Milky Way. By tracing the first chemical elements formed after the Big Bang, this instrument will provide invaluable insights into the early universe and the formation of the first galactic structures. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution and the origins of matter.

Strengthening Global Collaborations in Astronomy

The conference served as a platform for collaboration, bringing together experts from various prestigious institutions, including the IAC, the NAOC, Tsinghua University, and CAB-INTA. The primary objective of this gathering is to fortify partnerships between Spanish and Chinese research centers in the realm of high-resolution spectroscopy, a critical area for studying stars, galaxies, and exoplanets.

Initial sessions at the conference focused on advancements related to the Gran Tecan and the current status of the CHORUS project. Discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including research on the first stars, galactic archaeology, and innovative techniques for characterizing planetary systems similar to our own. The exchange of ideas and expertise among participants is expected to yield significant advancements in astronomical research.

Future Research Directions and Opportunities

The agenda for the conference also includes discussions on exoplanet physics, stellar life cycles, and the structure of the Local Group. Participants will explore the contributions of space missions to these areas of study, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing our understanding of the universe. A visit to the Teide Observatory is scheduled, allowing attendees to explore the environments that foster the development of the IAC’s instrumental projects. This practice is a customary aspect of international scientific meetings organized by the institution, promoting hands-on learning and collaboration.

Leadership and Scientific Contributions to the Field

The scientific committee overseeing the conference is led by Jonay I. González Hernández from the IAC and Haining Li from the NAOC. Their leadership, along with the contributions of notable researchers such as Carlos Allende Prieto, Giuseppina Battaglia, Savita Mathur, and others from the IAC, as well as María Rosa Zapatero Osorio from CAB-INTA and Sharon Xuesong Wang from Tsinghua University, underscores the collaborative spirit of this initiative. These experts are engaged in prominent high-resolution spectroscopy initiatives that are crucial for the advancement of astronomical knowledge.

As the development of CHORUS progresses, it will be integrated into the GTC, significantly enhancing the observational capabilities of this monumental telescope. Once the technical and scientific phases are completed, CHORUS is expected to revolutionize our approach to astronomical research, opening new avenues for exploration and discovery.

Key points

• The National Astronomical Observatories of China introduced CHORUS in Tenerife.
• CHORUS is designed to enhance detection of rocky exoplanets and study ancient stars.
• The instrument will be installed at the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC).
• The conference aims to strengthen collaboration in high-resolution spectroscopy between Spain and China.
• CHORUS will help analyze the oldest stars and trace early chemical elements.
• Participants will visit the Teide Observatory as part of the conference activities.