Thirty days ago, we reported to you (wait… how has a month gone by?) that the Arecibo radio telescope was damaged when a cable snapped. While the latest news states that no cause has yet been determined, the team is working to finish a full evaluation of the damage. Nothing can be done until a safety plan is in place, and that safety plan depends on structural analysis. 

Observatory Director Francisco Cordova notes: This is a big and complex facility, so it is taking some time to ensure we are doing things right.

Agreed. Let’s not risk anyone for the sake of rushing repairs forward.

In the meantime, Arecibo’s Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) facility remains in operation as it was not damaged, so when astronomers like Leonardo find those asteroids, we can still determine their composition. We’ll continue to bring you updates on the repairs as we receive them.

More Information

University of Central Florida press release