9621 Agnes Crossing, Lake Suzanneview, New Mexico Island 84604-9295.
What happened to the Arecibo telescope? Problems with the telescope started in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. At that time, the observatory itself did not suffer
Problems with the telescope started in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. At that time, the observatory itself did not suffer significant damage. In 2020, a series of earthquakes thundered on the island – after which the observatory was temporarily closed. But for a while it seemed like everything would be fine with the object.
However, already in August the situation changed – one of the thick cables holding the 900-tonne platform slipped out of its slot and fell directly on the mirror, damaging the section plate. The situation was bad, but not catastrophic, the engineers even developed a repair plan and said that everything was under control.
But in November, just before the start of repair work, the second cable failed. After analyzing the situation, the engineers determined that the telescope was too unstable to be repaired safely. Then the National Science Foundation NSF decided to decommission the observatory. However, the dismantling plan was not destined to be implemented, because on the morning of December 1, the 900-tonne platform collapsed and fell on the mirror.
Mirror damage after platform fall / NSF photo
The Arecibo Observatory’s massive radio antenna was an unusual object, as it plays a key role in three different fields of science:
Since 1963 (the observatory’s opening date), the telescope’s observation equipment has hung from a net-like platform stretched over a huge 305-metre-wide antenna.
Since the collapse of the platform, scientists have asked that the telescope be rebuilt, or that a more powerful instrument be built in its place.
The National Science Foundation (NSF), which now owns the facility, has determined that it will not buy new telescopes to replace what it has lost to the Arecibo Observatory, despite scientists’ requests. The new educational project does not include long-term financing for the instruments remaining in the observatory, including the 12-metre radio antenna and the lidar system.
NSF aims to build on the observatory’s legacy as a major educational institution in Puerto Rico by transforming the facility into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education center scheduled to open in 2023.
The statement notes that while discussion of science facilities in Arecibo is minimal, teams seeking funding to use existing tools or build new ones “can submit proposals that complement the scope of the new centre.”
NSF’s program request for the new science center states that the agency expects to provide $5 million over a five-year period. NSF also plans to award the observatory a five-year maintenance contract worth at least $1 million each year – just enough to operate the facilities, not enough to keep the remaining instruments operational.
Over the past 57 years, the Arecibo Observatory has gained worldwide renown as a research site. Many scientific discoveries were made with the help of the telescope.
Arecibo not only made a fundamental contribution to astronomy, as its presence significantly increased the level of education on the island and developed tourism.
Source: 24 Tv
I’m Maurice Knox, a professional news writer with a focus on science. I work for Div Bracket. My articles cover everything from the latest scientific breakthroughs to advances in technology and medicine. I have a passion for understanding the world around us and helping people stay informed about important developments in science and beyond.
