The famous Arecibo SETI Telescope receiver platform, crashes onto dish.
The instrument platform of the 305m telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico collapses.
No injuries were reported. National Science Foundation (NSF) is working with stakeholders to assess the situation.
Above: The 900-ton receiver of the Arecibo telescope collapsed onto the 305 meter dish on December 1, 2020. Credit NSF
“Our top priority is maintaining safety. NSF will release more details when they are confirmed.
Engineers are on-site. Top priorities are maintaining safety at the site and assessing damage.”
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, said:
“We are saddened by this situation but thankful that no one was hurt. 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.”
source National Science Foundation
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