World’s largest telescope suffered 2 major accidents in 3 months

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is the world’s largest radio telescope with a diameter of 305 m. The radio telescope at the Arrecibo Observatory is said to have been damaged in November as the main cable was damaged following the accident that the steel auxiliary cable was broken in August.

After construction in 1963, the Arrecibo Observatory radio telescope boasts the world’s largest diameter, has been active in various projects, and has been used as a stage for movies and games. In August 2020, the steel auxiliary cable supporting the auxiliary mirror of the radio telescope was broken and crashed into the reflective surface of the main mirror, causing serious damage.

Due to the accident in August, the Arrecibo Observatory had to be shut down. In addition, the discharged auxiliary cables and sockets were separated on September 28, and an investigation to determine the cause is under way at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. The spare amount of the discharged auxiliary cable had already been ordered, and replacement and repair work was scheduled to proceed by mid-December 2020.

However, on November 6, 19:39 local time, an accident occurred in which the main cable supporting the auxiliary mirror was broken. The broken main cable fell as it was, causing damage to the reflective surface or other cables. The University of Central Florida, which manages the observatory, said it was not able to figure out why the main cable was broken. However, it is believed that this is related to the disconnection of the auxiliary cable in August 2020 and an unnecessary load on the remaining cables.

In mid-December, the repair team in charge of cable replacement suggested that it wants to reduce the load distributed to the cables by loosening the radio telescope cable and installing rebar. In addition, it is said that the schedule for replacement and repair work, which was scheduled to start in mid-December, is being readjusted in the direction of advancing.

The Arrecibo Observatory said that such a situation should not happen, but the important thing is that no one has been injured. He added that although the radio telescope situation is not good, he will do his best to restart the facility.

The University of Central Florida, in charge of the management, has applied for a grant from the National Science Foundation in August for repairs related to the accident. Related information can be found here .