Arecibo's demise!!

[axn]

Originally Posted by a1call

computer modeling and simulations <snip> exact-Science

Way to contradict yourself in a single sentence!

[a1call]

Originally Posted by Dr Sardonicus

Reading about the demise of Arecibo is quite depressing, and makes me feel my age, because I remember when it started. I particularly recall a little oopsadaisy in the newspaper announcement, saying that the new telescope would be able to see 347 miles into space.

And I remember reading this (at the time) which some may get a kick out of:

Arecibo message

[kriesel]

Originally Posted by a1call

And I remember reading this (at the time) which some may get a kick out of:

Arecibo message

That "call-back" was way earlier than reasonable to expect, unless assuming a nearby listening post.

[moebius]

Originally Posted by a1call

And I remember reading this (at the time) which some may get a kick out of:Arecibo message

and the answer from outer space is ....
This time with the original DNA of the aliens not the hoax DNA from UK

[moebius]

Originally Posted by moebius

and the answer from outer space is ....
This time with the original DNA of the aliens not the hoax DNA from UK

and finally a new reply

[rudy235]

How many of this forum have actually visited the Arecibo Radio Telescope?
I was there in November 2013.

[moebius]

Originally Posted by rudy235

How many of this forum have actually visited the Arecibo Radio Telescope? I was there in November 2013.

Never , but in 1999 I analyzed some data recorded by the radio Telescope.

[storm5510]

Looking at the attached image, I do not understand why it cannot be retrofitted. Nothing needs to be done to the dish. It seems there is a lot more weight around the receiving element than needs to be. The pylons appear to be concrete. As for the cables, there is such a thing as stainless steel. Redesign the receiver and replace the cables...

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by storm5510

Redesign the receiver and replace the cables...

The thing suspended in the centre weighs ~900 tons. There is concern based upon examination of the cables that remain, that one or more could give way suddenly. 2 of the 3 firms asked to examine it say that there is not a safe way forward to stabilize it and continue using it. They are recommending explosively severing all of the lines at once. Dropping all of that into the dish will cause much damage to the dish.

[rudy235]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

The thing suspended in the centre weighs ~900 tons. There is concern based upon examination of the cables that remain, that one or more could give way suddenly. 2 of the 3 firms asked to examine it say that there is not a safe way forward to stabilize it and continue using it. They are recommending explosively severing all of the lines at once. Dropping all of that into the dish will cause much damage to the dish.

I do not see a way this could be repaired. They dropped the ball (no pun intended) when on August 10 the first cable snapped.

I hate to engage in political opinion but the current administration was very dismissive of Puerto Rico on the occasion of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The Radio Telescope was already neglected by the stateside authorities and then an auxiliary cable broke in August and tore a 100-foot hole in the reflector dish and damaged the dome above it.
That was the time (if science were a priority of the administration) to engage in emergency repairs. Now it is too late.

[Uncwilly]