Arecibo Observatory

Stewarded by U.S. National Science Foundation since the 1970s, Arecibo Observatory has contributed to scientific discoveries including the demonstration of gravitational waves from a binary pulsar and the first discovery of an extrasolar planet. In 2020, Arecibo Observatory's 305-meter telescope collapsed. Information about the collapse and NSF's efforts to address the damage and restore other parts of the observatory can be found on this page. Reporters with questions should contact NSF's Media Affairs team at media@nsf.gov or 703-292-7090.

Latest Updates

03/27/2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation is excited by the progress underway as it prepares to open an educational center at the site of the NSF Arecibo Observatory Historic District in Puerto Rico. The new Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement (Arecibo C3) will continue the Arecibo Observatory's legacy of leadership within Puerto Rico and the STEM community through education, outreach and workforce development. Despite minor delays due to site preparation, the Arecibo C3 team is working diligently, developing and implementing plans and preparing spaces for a suite of new STEM programs and initiatives to ensure a successful launch and a valuable experience for all participants. Starting in June 2024, the Arecibo C3 team will initiate a "pilot phase," engaging small groups of local students and educators to test the activities and exhibits at the center. The insights garnered from this pilot phase will help in shaping the future of the center as the anticipated fall 2024 inaugural celebration draws near.

With respect to the scientific infrastructure at the site of the NSF Arecibo Observatory Historic District, some areas are being reconfigured for Arecibo C3 use as laboratory space. In addition, NSF has facilitated the transfer of three optical instruments to the island of Culebra: a spectrometer and two photometers, along with accompanying equipment and trailers needed to operate these instruments. These instruments will be used for atmospheric research under an active NSF grant. Other scientific instruments and equipment are being stored safely while NSF determines the best potential usage. The Arecibo C3 team has access to the instrumentation remaining at the site and may choose to incorporate it in some science, technology, engineering and mathematics education activities. NSF will consider future support of instrumentation use in science operations through existing grants and future merit-reviewed proposals.

10/18/23

The U.S. National Science Foundation has collaborated with NASA to study next-generation deep space radar needs, releasing an interagency report by the Aerospace Corporation. The report examines whether a coordinated development of future deep space radar facilities between NASA, NSF and other U.S. government agencies and stakeholders should be further explored to address agency needs for planetary defense, planetary science, atmospheric science, ionospheric science, geospace science and cislunar space situational awareness (SSA).  

The report identified significant gaps between today's facilities and agency needs and explored the potential for planned facilities to meet those needs. It developed a range of high-level strategies that meet some, but not all, priorities by considering several factors, including radar frequency bands, sensitivities, and the fraction of facility time needed. The report is not indicative of any government commitments regarding future deep space radar. Planetary defense and cislunar SSA were selected as the two core mission areas that would drive further technical analyses, based on stakeholder input at several technical interchange meetings.

The study is available at: nasa.gov.

The purpose of this report was not to address the future use of the Arecibo Observatory site. NSF will continue to consider proposals for use of the site through the agency's merit review process. On Sept. 25, 2023, NSF announced over $5 million in funding over a five year period to establish the Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement. 

Historic and technical data from the legacy Arecibo webpage are now available:  
https://naic.nrao.edu/. 
https://naic.nrao.edu/arecibo/ (Note: This site is currently under migration and includes legacy Arecibo content). 

09/25/23

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced an investment of over $5 million over five-years for a collaborative partnership between three higher education institutions and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to establish a new multidisciplinary, world-class educational center at the Arecibo Observatory site in Puerto Rico. The new center, the Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement (Arecibo C3), will serve as a catalyst for increased and inclusive engagement in a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, cutting-edge research and workforce development initiatives by students, teachers, researchers, local communities and the public within and outside of Puerto Rico.

"The new educational center builds on the great scientific, educational and cultural legacy of the Arecibo Observatory and is closely aligned with NSF's goal to create STEM opportunities everywhere," said James L. Moore III, NSF assistant director for STEM Education. "The center aims to create new opportunities for STEM education, exploration, discovery, engagement and participation of students, scientists and researchers in various STEM disciplines ranging from astronomy and radio science to biological, computer and natural sciences in Puerto Rico and beyond."

Funded under the Arecibo Center for STEM Education and Research (ACSER) solicitation, this new educational center is consistent with guidance provided in the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," which "encourages the National Science Foundation, in consultation with other federal agencies, to explore opportunities for strengthening and expanding the role of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico through education, outreach and diversity programs, and future research capabilities and technology at the site."

Four institutions will work together to establish Arecibo C3 and will collaborate with Ciencia Puerto Rico and STEM Program Evaluation, Assessment, and Research. The center's outreach plan will include dynamic collaborations with members of the Puerto Rico STEM community, the University of Puerto Rico system, private universities and STEM academic organizations to continue engaging faculty, K-12 students and teachers, families and the general public.

The four awardees are:

• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
• University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras.
• Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

The new center is expected to open in early 2024 and will continue Arecibo Observatory's legacy of leadership within Puerto Rico and the STEM community through education, outreach and workforce development. Arecibo C3 will include a research laboratory and a hands-on, interactive science center open to the public. It will honor the observatory's rich contributions to astronomy and extend its focus to interdisciplinary, fundamental and applied research that links astronomy data with touch, sound and vision. The center's research will also integrate the life sciences, computer and data sciences, and ultimately the breadth of all areas of STEM education.

"We, humans, are the ones who link all the sciences of the universe. Honoring the legacy of the Arecibo Observatory, NSF has entrusted Puerto Rico with a timely initiative centered on community, culture, education, all existing sciences and those yet to emerge," said Arecibo C3 Executive Director Wanda Díaz-Merced. "Through Arecibo C3, the scientific and harmonious vitality of the Puertorriqueños as maximum seekers of scientific truth will lead the path of science, focusing on the people and the maximum expression of the human intellect that resides in the constantly evolving life of the entire community."

Arecibo C3 will prioritize community engagement, particularly for underrepresented groups, in its STEM education and outreach programs. It will expand opportunities for student research and workforce development, foster professional development, and support collaborative research between faculty, K-12 teachers and students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland. In addition, Arecibo C3 will include a public science center that will focus on scientific themes, research and innovations through exhibitions, educational programming, science talks, films and enrichment activities for children, families, educators and the general public. A highlight of the science center will be an Arecibo Observatory Legacy Exhibition.

These collaborative partnerships will form the cornerstones of Arecibo C3 and will further NSF's overall strategy to develop the diverse and globally engaged workforce necessary to ensure that the nation remains a global leader in science and engineering research and innovation.

For more information about NSF programs, visit nsf.gov. For updates on Arecibo C3, a new website is currently under development and will be accessible at www.areciboc3.org.

10/13/22

The U.S. National Science Foundation issued a solicitation Oct. 13 for a new multidisciplinary, world-class educational center at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico that aims to serve as a hub for STEM education and outreach.

The center would expand upon existing education and outreach opportunities currently in place at the Arecibo Observatory site, while also implementing new STEM programs and initiatives. The new center is expected to open in 2023.

The scientific community has expressed broad support for an expanded educational facility. Specifically, the 2020 Decadal Survey for Astronomy and Astrophysics, or Astro2020, recognized that the observatory has, over the course of its nearly 60-year history, become a highly regarded part of the community for many of Puerto Rico's citizens, serving as a source of pride and local economic benefit while also providing access to training and employment for many in the community. Astro2020 called out support for its continuation as an important nexus for education, community, and developing a diversified STEM workforce.

The goals of the center would be to:

• Promote STEM education, learning, and teaching.
• Support fundamental and applied STEM and STEM education research.
• Broaden participation in STEM.
• Build and leverage existing and new collaborations and partnerships.

The center would have four primary functions aligned to its goals:

• Engage the public in STEM through education and outreach activities.
• Develop and implement a research and workforce development program.
• Support participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM education and research.
• Cultivate and build authentic partnerships within and outside of Puerto Rico.

The solicitation calls for proposals to manage the education, STEM research, and outreach aspects of the center. Resources available on site include: a learning center, the Ángel Ramos Science and Visitor's center, exhibition space, laboratory space, auditorium, cafeteria, office space, and dormitories. A third-party contractor will be responsible for maintenance of the site resources listed above, in addition to grounds maintenance.

NSF program directors will work with awardees that have ongoing NSF-funded activities at the Arecibo Observatory to ensure continuity of programs. The solicitation does not include rebuilding the 305-meter telescope or operational support for current scientific infrastructure, such as the 12-meter radio telescope or Lidar facility. Teams seeking to utilize existing scientific infrastructure or proposing for new projects can submit proposals that are complementary to the scope of the new center. All proposals will go through the standard NSF merit review process. Interested parties are advised to contact a NSF program director in their program area to discuss the proposal prior to submission.

This new educational center opportunity is consistent with guidance provided in the "CHIPS and Science Act". The act "encourages the National Science Foundation, in consultation with other Federal agencies, to explore opportunities for strengthening and expanding the role of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico through education, outreach, and diversity programs, and future research capabilities and technology at the site."

The solicitation is available.

---

La Fundación Nacional de Ciencias (NSF, por sus siglas en inglés) emitió una solicitud el 13 de octubre invitando propuestas para la creación de un nuevo centro educativo multidisciplinario de clase mundial en el Observatorio de Arecibo en Puerto Rico, el cual tendría como objetivo servir como un centro para la educación y divulgación de las disciplinas STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas).

El centro tendría como objetivo ampliar las oportunidades de educación ya existentes en el Observatorio de Arecibo, y al mismo tiempo implementaría nuevos programas e iniciativas de STEM. El nuevo centro abriría sus puertas en el 2023.

La comunidad científica ha expresado un amplio apoyo a la creación de un centro educativo en dicha localidad. La Encuesta Decenal de Astronomía y Astrofísica de 2020, o Astro2020, reconoció que el observatorio, a lo largo de sus casi 60 años de historia, se ha convertido en una parte muy querida de la comunidad de Puerto Rico, sirviendo como fuente de orgullo y beneficio económico local, al mismo tiempo que brinda empleo y capacitación para muchos en la comunidad. Astro2020 expresó apoyo para la creación de este centro como un nexo importante para la educación, la comunidad y el desarrollo de una fuerza laboral de STEM diversificada.

Los objetivos del centro serían:

• Promover la educación, el aprendizaje y la enseñanza de las disciplinas STEM.
• Fomentar investigaciones fundamentales y aplicadas en STEM, e investigaciones sobre la educación de las disciplinas STEM.
• Ampliar la participación en STEM.
• Crear nuevas y/o fortalecer colaboraciones y asociaciones ya existentes.

El centro tendría cuatro funciones principales alineadas con sus objetivos:

• Involucrar al público en STEM a través de actividades educativas y de divulgación.
• Desarrollar e implementar un programa de investigación y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.
• Fomentar la participación de grupos subrepresentados en la educación y la investigación de STEM.
• Cultivar y construir alianzas auténticas dentro y fuera de Puerto Rico.

La solicitud invita propuestas para la gestión y manejo de los aspectos de educación, investigación de STEM y divulgación del centro. Los recursos ya disponibles en el sitio incluyen: un centro de aprendizaje, el Centro de Ciencias y Visitantes Ángel Ramos, espacio para exposiciones, espacio para laboratorio, auditorio, cafetería, espacio para oficinas y dormitorios. Un contratista externo será responsable del mantenimiento de estos recursos además del mantenimiento de los terrenos.

NSF trabajará con los adjudicatarios que tienen actividades en curso financiadas por la NSF en el Observatorio de Arecibo para asegurar la continuidad de dichos programas. Cabe aclarar que la solicitud de propuestas no incluye la reconstrucción del telescopio de 305 metros ni el apoyo operativo para la infraestructura científica actual, como el radiotelescopio de 12 metros o la instalación Lidar. Los equipos y/o investigadores que deseen utilizar la infraestructura científica existente o proponer nuevos proyectos pueden presentar propuestas que sean complementarias a las funciones del nuevo centro educativo. Todas las propuestas serán evaluadas por el proceso de revisión de méritos de la NSF. Se les recomienda a las partes interesadas que se comuniquen con un director de programa de la NSF en su área de interés para analizar la propuesta antes de enviarla.

Esta nueva oportunidad del centro educativo coincide con las instrucciones proporcionada por la "Ley CHIPS y Ciencia". La ley "alienta a la Fundación Nacional de Ciencias, en consulta con otras agencias federales, a explorar oportunidades para fortalecer y expandir la función del Observatorio de Arecibo en Puerto Rico a través de programas de educación, divulgación y diversidad, y futuras capacidades de investigación y tecnología en el sitio".

La solicitud está disponible en.

08/11/22

The Thornton Tomasetti Forensic Investigation into the collapse of the 305-meter Telescope at the Arecibo Observatory is now available

• Arecibo Telescope Collapse Forensic Investigation report
• Arecibo Telescope Collapse Forensic Investigation report appendices

04/11/22

The Arecibo Observatory Salvage Survey Committee (AOSSC), chartered by the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has posted their report following the conclusion of the salvage activities.

• The Arecibo Observatory Survey Salvage Committee Report

03/07/22

Visitor's Center Reopening
The Ángel Ramos Foundation Science and Visitors Center at the Arecibo Observatory will reopen to the public on March 10. Visitors are welcomed Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. but must make reservations online.

A new outdoor exhibit was added with artifacts recovered from the telescope and its platform. In addition, visitors will be able to access the observation deck and see where the telescope once stood. The rest of the AO facility remains closed to the public.

A short public ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. inside the Science and Visitors Center Auditorium. During the ceremony, some of the science investigations carried out at AO and the many educational opportunities available will be shared.

Visitors are welcome, but they must reserve a date and time to visit through the online store. Spaces are limited so an appointment is essential to secure your space. Guests will not be allowed to enter without an appointment. Visitors must also comply with the following guidelines:

• Reservations must be made in advance at https://www.naic.edu/shop
• Everyone 5 years-old or older must bring and wear a mask at all times
• Guests must show proof of vaccination when they arrive
• Use hand sanitizer
• Maintain physical distance during the visit

The temperature of each person will be taken at the entrance. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher will not be able to enter, nor will anyone in their party. Anyone without a mask will not be allowed inside and no masks will be provided.

The University of Central Florida manages the NSF facility under a cooperative agreement with Universidad Ana G. Méndez and Yang Enterprises, Inc.

Observatory Status Cleanup is complete. Scientists and engineers on site continue to work on existing instrumentation, such as the 12-meter telescope, the optical facility and the lidar facility, and they are continuing to analyze and publish the large amount of data that already existed at the time of the 305m telescope collapse. In addition to the studies conducted on the single socket where the first failure occurred, there are two independent broader studies being carried out now. We expect to learn of their findings later this year.

12/01/21

Fact Sheet: Arecibo Observatory Update

Arecibo Imagery
The latest images are available for download

11/17/21

The U.S. National Science Foundation, University of Central Florida, Arecibo Observatory, and a team of contractors have nearly completed the emergency cleanup activities at the Observatory.

Correction: The November 2021 report, entitled "Update on Arecibo Observatory Emergency Cleanup" contained an error with regard to the estimated number of damaged panels that had been removed from the reflector. The estimate has been corrected in this updated report:

• Update on Arecibo Observatory Emergency Cleanup (November 2021, Updated Dec 2021)

---

La Fundación Nacional de las Ciencias de los EE. UU., la Universidad de la Florida Central, el Observatorio de Arecibo, y un equipo de contratistas ya han completado casi todas las actividades de limpieza de emergencia en el Observatorio. Por favor vea el siguiente informe para una actualización de las medidas de protección ambiental y la conservación histórica:

Corrección: El informe de noviembre de 2021, titulado "Actualización del Observatorio de Arecibo Limpieza de Emergencia" contenía un error en referencia al número estimado de paneles dañados que fueron removidos del reflector. Dicho estimado ha sido corregido en este informe actualizado:

• Actualización del Observatorio de Arecibo Limpieza de Emergencia (Noviembre 2021, Actualizado en dic 2021)

06/28/21

The U.S. National Science Foundation, University of Central Florida, Arecibo Observatory, and a team of contractors continue to perform emergency cleanup activities at the Observatory. Please see the following report for an update on environmental protection measures and historic preservation:

• Update on Arecibo Observatory Emergency Cleanup (June 2021)

---

La Fundación Nacional de las Ciencias, la Universidad de la Florida Central, el Observatorio de Arecibo, y un equipo de contratistas continúan llevando a cabo actividades de limpieza en el Observatorio. Por favor vea los siguientes informes para una actualización de las medidas de protección ambiental y la conservación histórica:

• Actualización del Observatorio de Arecibo Limpieza de Emergencia (Junio 2021)

05/13/21

UPDATE: On May 11, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m. one of the trucks used to collect debris from the 305-meter telescope at the Arecibo Observatory made contact with power lines and internet cables while en route to the Observatory. The incident interrupted power and internet service for hours. While the trucks being used to transport the debris related to the December collapse of the 305-meter telescope at the Arecibo Observatory are well within the legal limits for height, there are several areas along the transportation route that present challenges for clearing power lines and internet cables. These areas are located along the secondary roads between the town of Arecibo and the Arecibo Observatory. The Arecibo Observatory team is actively evaluating this situation and will take the immediate step of placing spotters en route to attempt to avoid future contact with power lines and internet cables during the remainder of the debris removal effort, which is nearing the end.

---

El 11 de mayo de 2021, aproximadamente a las 9:00 a.m., uno de los camiones que transportaba los escombros del Observatorio de Arecibo hizo contacto con las líneas eléctricas y cables de Internet mientras se dirigía al Observatorio. El incidente interrumpió los servicios de electricidad y Internet durante varias horas. Los camiones que se utilizan para transportar los escombros están dentro de los límites legales de altura, sin embargo, hay varias áreas a lo largo de la ruta de transporte que presentan desafíos para despejar las líneas eléctricas y los cables de Internet. Estas áreas están ubicadas a lo largo de las rutas secundarias entre el centro del pueblo de Arecibo y el Observatorio El equipo del Observatorio de Arecibo está evaluando activamente esta situación y colocará personal en las rutas, encargados de observar, para intentar evitar el contacto futuro con líneas elóectricas y cables de Internet durante el resto del proceso de remoción de escombros, el cual está llegando a su fin.

04/26/21

The Transportation Plan has been updated to reflect a change to the truck route. See here for a map of the revised route.

04/16/21

The Transportation Plan has been updated to reflect a minor change to the route on the highway side; there is no change to the route through the residential areas.

El plan de transporte ha sido actualizado para reflejar un cambio en la ruta correspondiente a la autopista; no se hizo ningún cambio a la ruta en las zonas residenciales.

03/31/21

03/25/21

Engineering firms operating at the site of the Arecibo Observatory’s collapsed 305-meter telescope have produced a transportation plan for the removal of debris. The plan will be discussed at an April 5 public meeting, accessible in-person or virtually. See below for details. The plan's executive summary is also available in Spanish.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Arecibo Observatory (AO) will be hosting a public meeting to inform the local community of anticipated truck traffic related to debris removal from the Arecibo Observatory. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the meeting.

The public meeting will be held April 5 at 6:00 p.m., AST, both virtually and in-person.

Location: Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico, Capítulo de Arecibo
Paseo Los Olmos, Arecibo, PR 00612

The meeting will be held in both Spanish and English. COVID-19 protocols will be followed during the in-person meeting, including temperature checks. Attendees must wear a mask or face covering, practice six-foot social distancing at all times, and use hand sanitizer as preventive measures.

---

La Fundación Nacional de las Ciencias (NSF, por sus siglas en inglés), la Universidad de la Florida Central (UCF, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Observatorio de Arecibo (AO, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán llevando a cabo una reunión pública para informar a la comunidad local sobre el tráfico de camiones anticipado debido a la remoción de escombros del Observatorio de Arecibo. Se invita a los miembros del público interesados a asistir a la reunión.

La reunión pública se llevará a cabo el lunes, 5 de abril a las 6:00 PM, tanto en persona como de manera virtual.

Lugar: o Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico, Capítulo de Arecibo
Paseo Los Olmos, Arecibo, PR 00612

La reunión se llevará a cabo en inglés y en español. Se seguirán los protocolos de COVID-19 durante la reunión en persona, incluyendo la toma de temperatura. Los asistentes deben llevar mascarilla o cubierta de cara, practicar 6 pies de distanciamiento social en todo momento y utilizar desinfectante de manos como medidas preventivas.

03/11/21

New Workshop Dear Colleague Letter

• NSF has posted a Dear Colleague Letter advising the research community of a planned workshop focused on finding actionable and innovative ways to support, broaden, and strengthen the radio science community across all of Puerto Rico and to create or enhance opportunities for science and educational and cultural activities and public outreach at the Arecibo Observatory.

Environmental Cleanup and Historic Preservation

• Ensuring safety has continued to be NSF's top priority. This includes not only the safety of personnel on the site, but also the safety of the environment in the area. NSF, the University of Central Florida (UCF), and a team of contractors that includes environmental specialists have been working since the December 1st collapse to communicate with regulatory agencies and to identify environmental compliance requirements, including those related to pollution prevention, sampling and analysis, and biological resources.
• Cleanup work has included soil sampling and excavation to remove soil impacted by hydraulic oil released during the collapse, as well as the development and implementation of plans for the sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, and surface water and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to prevent sediment and pollutants from migrating offsite. Biologists are conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys to inform protection measures relating to species of concern.
• NSF and UCF continue their work to address concerns about historical and cultural preservation. NSF has been in contact with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (PR SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) since the day of the collapse to consult on the protection and preservation of historically important elements of the structures and site. NSF will continue to provide ACHP with updates.
• Recognizing that there is interest in preserving identifiable remains of the contributing resources of the historic district as well as scientific equipment that could be reused, at NSF's direction, UCF has established the Salvage Survey Committee tasked with screening the debris to identify objects of potential scientific, cultural, or historic value to be preserved for potential display at the site or other museums.
• More information on Environmental Cleanup can be found on NSF's Environmental Cleanup and Historic Preservation site.

03/03/21

• NSF has provided a report to Congress, as required by the report language accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, describing "the causes and extent of the damage, the plan to remove debris in a safe and environmentally sound way, the preservation of the associated AO facilities and surrounding areas, and the process for determining whether to establish comparable technology at the site, along with any associated cost estimates." The investigation of the collapse and exploration of future opportunities for Arecibo is ongoing. Read the report here.

Press Releases

Engineering Reports

Fact Sheets

NSF Arecibo Update Media Briefing Audio and Transcript

Media briefing on Dec 3, 2020 Download Transcript

NSF Arecibo Decommissioning Media Briefing Audio and Transcript

Media briefing on Nov 19, 2020 Download Transcript