Science magazine dedicates the cover to the Arecibo Observatory radio telescope

In the most recent issue, the magazine Science, of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), dedicated its coverage to the collapsed radio telescope of the Arecibo Observatory.

The report included in the magazine highlights the performance of the radio telescope, which it describes as a “fallen giant,” and its possible reconstruction after the platform fell on Dec. 1, the magazine noted.

He also emphasized that despite being 57 years old after its inception, the facility was a pioneer in science and its loss astounded the scientific community internationally.

After several months of deterioration due to structural defects in the support cables, the radio telescope collapsed. The director of the Puerto Rico Nasa Space Grant, Gerardo Morell, estimated that rebuilding would cost $ 400 million.

Prior to the collapse, the National Science Institute (NSF) determined to partially demolish the radio telescope due to structural damage. The plan was aimed at preserving the parts of the Observatory that were not affected.