Video: Arecibo Observatory Telescope Collapses, Ending Era Of World-Class Research
Astronomers compare losing the observatory in Puerto Rico to losing a big brother. It was once the world's largest single-dish radio telescope.
Updated on Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m. ET
The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico has collapsed, after weeks of concern from scientists over the fate of what was once the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. Arecibo's 900-ton equipment platform, suspended some 500 feet above the dish, fell overnight after the last of its healthy support cables failed to keep it in place.
No injuries were reported, according to the National Science Foundation, which oversees the renowned research facility.
"NSF is saddened by this development," the agency said. "As we move forward, we will be looking for ways to assist the scientific
