With the vision of “Be Boundless”, Westlake University was able to bring a Huxin Lecture that truly explores the university for the first time.

On 24 April (Space Day), Westlake University held its 2021 Huxin Lecture Series Spring Session, “Stargazing”. The guest speaker, China’s “Sky Eye” 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope chief scientist, Di Li discussed the world's largest filled-aperture radio telescope and China’s new journey to "open our eyes and see the universe". Shuangnan Zhang, chief scientist of the "Insight" Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope, discussed China’s first X-ray astronomical satellite, revealing the latest discoveries of neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, and the other wonders of the cosmos.

As one of the oldest sciences, how is it that astronomy continues to full us with awe? Why do so many scientists desire to research and explore the mysteries of space? Many people also ask, what is the use of studying gravitational waves, black holes, neutron stars, and dark matter? What does this all have to do with us?What's the use of looking up at the stars? During our Huxin Lecture, our guest speakers explained just that.

Prof. Di Li, Chief Scientist of FAST and the radio division of NAOC

Prof. Shuangnan Zhang, Chief Scientist of Insight-HXMT

Across the vast cosmos, us human beings may be small, but we still have the curiosity and courage to go forth into the universe, searching through the light and darkness to places our hearts and minds have yet to venture, and through this exploration, opening up new ways to understand our own world and our story in it.

This curiosity and courage is exactly what Westlake University endeavors to inspire in young and mature minds alike through our public lectures. Astronomy enthusiasts of all ages and from all walks of life, supporters and “star chasers”, were able to join us for this spring session of our Huxin Lecture Series.

If you are also a "star chaser", if you also love this wonderful starry sky, take a look at our photo exhibition from the event ——

Astronomy enthusiasts from around the world sent us photos of the stunning sky. In that distant starry sky, Orion, Ursa Minor, the Big Dipper all reach out to us, their light touches our mind and soul.

Westlake University’s Huxin Lecture Series was initiated by Westlake President Yigong Shi in 2020. It is a series open to all for the purpose of greater public awareness of science and technology. It is part of our commitment to giving back to the wider society for which we were established to serve. We hope to continue holding Huxin lectures for more and more people so that we can pass on the same passion and love for exploration and discovery that drives us all at Westlake University to the next generation.