Catastrophic coincidence: Cause of the Arecibo telescope’s collapse revealed

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, known for its significant achievements in radio astronomy, has been decommissioned after the catastrophic destruction of the telescope in December 2020. The investigation revealed that a combination of damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017 and an unexpected collapse due to metal structural defects led to the disaster. According to a recent report, the root cause of the telescope’s collapse was a “long-term defect caused by zinc creep.”

Arecibo Telescope at night before the destruction. Photo: University of Central Florida

Problems with the infrastructure began after the hurricane. The cables that supported the 900-ton platform over the 305-meter antenna were gradually losing strength. Although the National Science Foundation (NSF) had planned to dismantle the telescope, the collapse occurred earlier than planned. A cable break caused the platform to fall in less than 10 seconds, destroying the antenna and ending the 57-year history of the observatory.

Arecibo Observatory after the platform collapse. Source: Ricardo Arduengo/AFP

The commission that investigated the collapse found a unique problem – accelerated destruction of the zinc sockets, causing the platform to lose stability. Scientists have suggested that the impact of powerful electromagnetic radiation of the telescope could accelerate these processes, although such cases have not previously been recorded.

Ignoring problems with Arecibo

Arecibo played a key role in the discovery of exoplanets, the observation of fast radio bursts, and the search for extraterrestrial life. However, despite the importance of the facility, post-hurricane inspections found problems with the cables, but these signals were not properly handled. The report states, “The lack of response to cable displacement between Hurricane Maria and the disaster is alarming.”

In October 2022, NSF announced plans to turn the facility into an educational center focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). After canceling some projects in June 2023, the observatory officially announced new partners to help realize the educational mission. Although radio data collection has ceased, Arecibo will continue its legacy as a center for research and education.

Earlier we told you what science lost along with the legendary Arecibo radio telescope.

Provided by nationalacademies.org