The Arecibo Telescope Is Damaged — And That's A Big Deal

August 28, 2020





Since its completion in 1963, the Arecibo Observatory has played a key role in discoveries ranging from new insights into pulsars to detecting planets outside our solar system.Universal Images Group via Getty


SCIENCE
Puerto Rico's Arecibo Radio Telescope Damaged By Falling Cable


THE TWO-WAY
Puerto Rico's Arecibo Radio Telescope Suffers Hurricane Damage

In early August a cable snapped at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, causing substantial damage to one of the largest single dish radio telescopes in the world. Planetary scientist Edgard Rivera-Valentín explains what's at stake until the damage can be repaired, and the unique role the telescope plays in both scientific research and popular culture.

This episode was produced by Brit Hanson, fact-checked by Viet Le and edited by Deborah George.