The end of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico came sooner than expected: the 305 m radio telescope collapsed on December 1, 2020, sending the 900 ton instrument platform crashing into the dish from a height of 492 ft. The observatory was scheduled to be decommissioned in the near future following recent suspension cable failures. Multiple assessments by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and independent engineering companies Damage sustained at the Arecibo Observatory 305 m telescope. Source: University of Central FloridaDamage sustained at the Arecibo Observatory 305 m telescope. Source: University of Central Floridadetermined the telescope structure to be in danger of a catastrophic failure.

As plans for controlled decommissioning were being formulated, the top section of all three of the telescope’s support towers broke off, causing the platform to plummet.

No injuries were sustained but preliminary assessments indicate substantial damage to the observatory’s learning center.

“We are saddened by this situation but thankful that no one was hurt,” said NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “When engineers advised NSF that the structure was unstable and presented a danger to work teams and Arecibo staff, we took their warnings seriously and continued to emphasize the importance of safety for everyone involved. Our focus is now on assessing the damage, finding ways to restore operations at other parts of the observatory, and working to continue supporting the scientific community, and the people of Puerto Rico.”

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