I expect this isn't news to anybody here at this point (it's been coming for a while, and happened days ago), but I thought it worthy of note anyway. There has been some talk of rebuilding it, but perhaps that's just talk.
Video of the collapse, first from the ground, then from a drone that was apparently being used to inspect one of the towers.
Some photos with the story linked below.
"A video shows the 'violent' collapse of the iconic Arecibo telescope. It sounded like an avalanche, a staff scientist said." |
Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/video-arecibo-telescope-puerto-rico-collapse-2020-12)
I don't keep up with current events very well these days. Was the decommissioning planned or the result of impending catastrophic failure?
Quote from: jumbojak on December 05, 2020, 02:36:22 AM
I don't keep up with current events very well these days. Was the decommissioning planned or the result of impending catastrophic failure?
Hurricane damage and, imo, lack of maintenance, and it finally collapsed on its own.
A shame but things wear out. I find it surprising that it has been left to die as Jodrell Bank, which is tiny by comparison, is still doing useful science.
Such a pity for such an iconic structure. :'(