Arecibo radio telescope in danger
2006/11/08 Lakar Iraizoz, Oihane - Elhuyar Zientzia
The American Science Foundation (NSF) has stated that it may have to disrupt the activity of the giant Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. It was launched in 1963 and is the largest astronomical installation in the world: the plate has a diameter of 300 meters and has a reflector of 900 tons suspended to 137 meters with 48 kilometers of cable. In 2011, however, they may have to close the doors if they don't find anyone willing to put the money needed to get it going, since the money that until now was used for this telescope will go to new programs... They have suffered cuts in budgets and say it has been difficult to decide what to spend money on. Finally, the future of Arecibor.Photo:
NAIC Country NSF - Arecibo Observatory Resource
