* Astronomy

For more than two decades, China has laboured to build its first state-of-the-art jet fighter as part of the country's drive to become a leading military power.
In December, it appeared to have closed in on that ambition when it revealed, in an unusual blaze of publicity, that its new fighter, the J-10, had entered service in the air force.
Footage of the new aircraft firing missiles and refuelling in flight was shown on state-controlled television, and Chinese defence magazines have published lengthy reports with photographs of the single-engine fighter.
Although specific details about the J-10's performance and specifications remain highly classified, some Western and Chinese military experts say the successful development of this advanced, multirole aircraft could be the catalyst for China to become a leading force in military aviation.

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