The NSF made its decision after reviewing “multiple assessments by independent engineering companies that found the telescope structure is in danger of a catastrophic failure and its cables may no longer be capable of carrying the loads they were designed to support.”
On November 24, the NSF issued an update indicating that during aerial drone surveillance even more damage was identified on Tower 4. The concern had become how to safely decommission the telescope.
“This is the same tower to which the failed auxiliary cable and the broken main cable were attached. Safety is NSF’s top priority. As engineers continue their work on a safety plan for the 305-meter telescope decommissioning process, NSF will continue to assess the situation and use every available resource to determine a safe path forward.”
Scientific community and locals stunned by the loss
The news of the loss was felt by the scientific community and especially impacted Puerto Ricans across the U.S. territory. Many have been advocating for the preservation of the Arecibo Observatory.
