China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in solar research with the official commissioning of the world’s first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope. Known as the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS), this cutting-edge instrument has successfully passed national acceptance, marking its transition from construction to active scientific use. Developed under the leadership of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the telescope boasts an innovative off-axis optical system design and is entirely composed of domestically produced components, underscoring China’s growing prowess in independent astronomical innovation. The AIMS telescope fills a critical gap in mid-infrared solar magnetic field observations, providing invaluable data for advanced studies in solar physics and space weather forecasting. Its operational status is expected to significantly enhance China’s capabilities in understanding solar phenomena and mitigating the impacts of space weather on Earth. This achievement not only represents a leap forward for Chinese astronomy but also positions the country as a global leader in solar research technology.
