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| Crash course in astronomy at the Arecibo observatory |
by Gabriela Gonzalez
DownIsland Staff
DownIsland Staff
Click on pictures to enlarge
You don’t have to be a science nut or a wannabe astronomer to enjoy a trip up to
the Arecibo Observatory. In fact, just about anyone who decides to visit the world’s
largest radio telescope will get something out of the trip –even if it’s just a
mosquito bite.
In fact, for those who are curious in nature and have an adventurous spirit, the 40-
minute-long drive up to Observatory (from the Highway 22 exit to Arecibo) will only
serve as foreplay, building up to the exciting finale when they’ll finally get to see
what the fuss is all about.
And there’s reason enough to fuss about it.
Measuring an astounding 305 meters in diameter, it is the largest and most
sensitive single-dish radio telescope in the world. Its size, sensitivity and potency
allow it to study not only our immediate atmosphere, but the objects in the solar
system beyond.
Built in 1963 on the mountainous area of the municipality of Arecibo, the
Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center run by
Cornell University. For decades, it has been like a second home to dozens of
scientists from around the world who have come to Puerto Rico to make use of its
facilities.
In addition to scientists, the Arecibo Observatory staff ranges from engineers,
technicians, and mechanics to a full-time cooking staff. Some work around the
clock making sure the telescope and other instrumentation functions at its best.
Although the Observatory remains fully operational 24 hours a day, it only opens
to the general public on Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 4 pm, and on
weekends from 9 am- 4 pm.
Upon their arrival, visitors must tread uphill to the Visitors Center, where they can
study the different exhibits at the two-story museum, followed by a 20-minute
presentation at the auditorium.
The trip to the Observatory culminates at the Viewing Platform, from which visitors
can gaze at the immense radio telescope and the beautiful vegetation surrounding
it.
For more information on the Arecibo Observatory and how to get there, call (787)
878-2612, or visit http://www.naic.edu. A map and directions are available on the
website.
the Arecibo Observatory. In fact, just about anyone who decides to visit the world’s
largest radio telescope will get something out of the trip –even if it’s just a
mosquito bite.
In fact, for those who are curious in nature and have an adventurous spirit, the 40-
minute-long drive up to Observatory (from the Highway 22 exit to Arecibo) will only
serve as foreplay, building up to the exciting finale when they’ll finally get to see
what the fuss is all about.
And there’s reason enough to fuss about it.
Measuring an astounding 305 meters in diameter, it is the largest and most
sensitive single-dish radio telescope in the world. Its size, sensitivity and potency
allow it to study not only our immediate atmosphere, but the objects in the solar
system beyond.
Built in 1963 on the mountainous area of the municipality of Arecibo, the
Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center run by
Cornell University. For decades, it has been like a second home to dozens of
scientists from around the world who have come to Puerto Rico to make use of its
facilities.
In addition to scientists, the Arecibo Observatory staff ranges from engineers,
technicians, and mechanics to a full-time cooking staff. Some work around the
clock making sure the telescope and other instrumentation functions at its best.
Although the Observatory remains fully operational 24 hours a day, it only opens
to the general public on Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 4 pm, and on
weekends from 9 am- 4 pm.
Upon their arrival, visitors must tread uphill to the Visitors Center, where they can
study the different exhibits at the two-story museum, followed by a 20-minute
presentation at the auditorium.
The trip to the Observatory culminates at the Viewing Platform, from which visitors
can gaze at the immense radio telescope and the beautiful vegetation surrounding
it.
For more information on the Arecibo Observatory and how to get there, call (787)
878-2612, or visit http://www.naic.edu. A map and directions are available on the
website.
