In 2020, a devastating cable break led to the end of one of the most iconic radio telescopes in the world. It starred in movies, kept us safe from asteroids, and listened for extra-terrestrial life. The science done at Arecibo Observatory was (and continues to be incredibly important), and having the observatory in Puerto Rico is a point of pride for locals. We take a look at the history, science, and social importance of Arecibo, and talk about what the observatory’s next chapter may look like.

Thanks to our guests on this episode:


Dr. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín, planetary scientist
Dr. Christopher Salter, retired radio astronomer
Dr. Tapasi Ghosh, retired radio astronomer
Pia Salter-Ghosh, “child of the observatory”
Olga Figeroa Miranda, current director of Arecibo Observatory


AeroEspacial is a four-part series from AirSpace that presents stories of Latino history, culture, and people at the heart of aviation and space. This limited series received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino.

AirSpace is made possible by the generous support of Olay.