Engineers of the famous US radio telescope are currently facing many problems threatening its entire structure. While a repair mission was planned, a new incident unfortunately occurred. Officials are therefore beginning to worry about this situation but are continuing their efforts.
Located in Puerto Rico (United States), the Arecibo radio telescope is a real institution. Operating as the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), it was founded in 1963 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) since 2008. Until 2016, it was the largest simple radio telescope ever built. In general, the Arecibo radio telescope collects radio astronomical data but also terrestrial aeronomy and planetary radar for scientists around the world.
As a statement from the University of Central Florida on November 8, 2020 explains, the radio telescope situation is complicated. In August 2020, one of the steel cables broke, causing the tearing of a significant part of the antenna over a length of 30 meters. The engineers had planned a complex repair operation but a new incident occurred. Indeed, a second cable gave way.
Radio telescope director Francisco Cordova has expressed concern. Obviously, the most important thing is the absence of injuries. The director explained that the assessment of the problem had been made with caution and the planning of the repairs had emphasized safety. It turns out that the two cables in question were attached to the same support tower of the device . However, the rupture of the first cable simply generated a greater tension at the level of the second.
Before new preventive measures were put in place, the second cable failed. This new rupture caused further damage to the parabola and cables still in place. For officials, it is quite possible that the entire structure is now in danger. Two new cables are on their way to the radio telescope, with the hope of being able to support the structure and thus reduce the tension on the remaining cables. Until these cables are installed, the situation will therefore remain very uncertain.
Despite its 57 years, the Arecibo radio telescope could in theory continue the adventure for a long time. The teams are therefore doing everything in their power to avoid its collapse. Let us also mention the fact that the climate does not help matters. Officials are hoping the hurricanes won't be too intense in the area, pending a lasting solution.
