( Spanish) — Just over two years have passed since the gigantic radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico became inoperative. Its collapse destroyed its antenna and thousands of reflective panels. December 1, 2020 part of its structure was destroyed.
Being inside the facility reminds one of its glory days and its great contribution to scientific research. The absence of its antenna and panels have changed its original design. Now the growth of plants in the surroundings of its base is notable, which gives it an aspect of greater contact with nature.
But while there are no plans to rebuild it, there is an initiative to turn it into a science education center and keep the old structure as a reminder of a great scientific age.
In a press release, the National Science Foundation explained that they are currently seeking to evaluate proposals to make a transition and convert the observatory into a facility with a focus on the study of astronomical sciences and mainly on education and research.
Months before the accident, some cables that supported the radio telescope had broken. The facility belongs to the National Science Foundation, which had ordered its closure and demolition in November 2020. However, the structure collapsed. The accident caused thousands of plates from the reflector dish to break off and affect its peculiar spherical design.
The main entrance to the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico (Credit: Ricardo ARDUENGO / AFP)
Located in the north of Puerto Rico, the radio telescope began operating in 1963. In its surroundings, pieces of what was part of the installation can still be seen.
The radio telescope stood out for being one of the largest in the world. The diameter of its main antenna was 305 meters made up of 40,000 perforated aluminum panels. The University of Central Florida manages the National Science Foundation facilities under a cooperative agreement with Ana G. Mendez University and Yang Enterprises, Inc.
The facility, which housed one of the most powerful radio telescopes on the planet, was used by scientists to conduct research in the areas of atmospheric sciences, planetary sciences, radio astronomy, and radar astronomy. In addition, they were the basis of a team that led the Planetary Radar Project, supported by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program.
