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- Arecibo broken
Anyone have more information...here is Scott Manley report...not good!
jedishrfu said:More on the final collapse yesterday with some drone footage:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03421-y
jedishrfu said:More on the final collapse yesterday with some drone footage:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03421-y
The cable that snapped at the Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope was likely due to natural wear and tear over time. The telescope has been in operation since 1963 and the cables supporting the platform have been under constant tension for over 50 years. This, combined with the harsh weather conditions in Puerto Rico, could have contributed to the cable's failure.
The snapped cable has significantly impacted the functionality of the Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope. It has caused damage to the telescope's reflector dish and suspended platform, rendering it unable to be used for scientific observations. The telescope will need to undergo extensive repairs before it can resume its operations.
Yes, this is not the first time that a cable has snapped at the Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope. In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused significant damage to the telescope, including snapping several cables. However, this is the most severe damage that the telescope has experienced in its over 50 years of operation.
The timeline for repairing the damage caused by the snapped cable is currently unknown. The National Science Foundation, which manages the Arecibo Observatory, has announced that it will be decommissioning the telescope due to safety concerns. However, the final decision on the future of the telescope and its repairs has not yet been made.
The snapped cable has had a significant impact on scientific research at the Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope. The telescope was a crucial tool for studying the universe, including detecting pulsars, tracking asteroids, and searching for extraterrestrial life. The loss of this telescope will greatly hinder our ability to make these types of scientific discoveries.