The instrument platform of the 305m telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico fell overnight. No injuries were reported. NSF is working with stakeholders to assess the situation. Our top priority is maintaining safety. NSF will release more details when they are confirmed. pic.twitter.com/Xjbb9hPUgD
I’m afraid that title is an understatement. Based on later reports, the Arecibo telescope is a total loss. It was written off a week and a half ago, on the grounds that with two failed cables and serious doubts about the rest, it would not be safe to attempt any sort of repairs. I guess the engineering studies the NSF and UCF commissioned were right about that. At this point, I think the best thing to do is pay our respects to a fabulous but now definitely dead telescope, and move on.
I’m afraid that title is an understatement. Based on later reports, the Arecibo telescope is a total loss. It was written off a week and a half ago, on the grounds that with two failed cables and serious doubts about the rest, it would not be safe to attempt any sort of repairs. I guess the engineering studies the NSF and UCF commissioned were right about that. At this point, I think the best thing to do is pay our respects to a fabulous but now definitely dead telescope, and move on.
Epic understatement to put it mildly.
“Further damage” = it has been destroyed.