Puerto rico arecibo: THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Arecibo – 2023 (with Photos) – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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April 24, 2023
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Puerto rico arecibo: THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Arecibo – 2023 (with Photos)

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Arecibo – 2023 (with Photos)

Popular things to do

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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Arecibo.

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Full-Day Cave and Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$185.00
per adult
Cave and lunch Day Tour from San Juan
from
$99.00
per adult
All inclusive Three in One Cave, Mountain, and Beach Tour
Adventure Tours
from
$89. 00
per adult
Western Island Full Day Tour
Full-day Tours
from
$130.00
per adult
Tanama Eco-Adventure
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult
Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation
Adventure Tours
from
$115.00
per adult
3 day Puerto Rico Private Bucketlist Experience
Adventure Tours
from
$1,299.99
per adult (price varies by group size)
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
VIP services group tour
Walking Tours
from
$1,000. 00
per group (up to
14
)
Jurassic Adventure
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult

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Sea Cave Adventure from San Juan
Adventure Tours
from
$87.00
per adult
Taino Cave and Charco Azul Caves Experience
Full-day Tours
from
$170.00
per adult
North West Adventure Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$196.23
per adult
Cave, Waterfall and Beach Combo-Private Full-Day Nature Lovers
Bus Tours
from
$150. 00
per adult
Full-Day Cave and Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$185.00
per adult
All inclusive Three in One Cave, Mountain, and Beach Tour
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult
Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation
Adventure Tours
from
$115.00
per adult
Western Island Full Day Tour
Full-day Tours
from
$130.00
per adult
The Perfect Getaway with Snorkeling
Adventure Tours
from
$256.42
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Full-Day Gozalandia Private Tour in Puerto Rico
Bus Tours
from
$640. 98
per group (up to
4
)
Rainforest and beach!
Luxury Car Tours
from
$200.00
per adult
River Caving in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$155.00
per adult
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
3 day Puerto Rico Private Bucketlist Experience
Adventure Tours
from
$1,299.99
per adult (price varies by group size)
Beach time and Waterfall Experience!
Bus Tours
from
$150. 00
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Slide Down the Largest Waterslide in Puerto Rico with Transportation
Bus Tours
from
$105.00
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Largest Natural Waterslide, River Hike and Beach Tour In Arecibo
Full-day Tours
from
$160.00
per adult

Top Attractions in Arecibo

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1. Cueva del Indio

Caverns & Caves

Open now

By AC634

$10 per Person- worth the view!

2. Arecibo Observatory

Observatories & Planetariums

Open now

By Antarsul

… at 3 pm and closes at 4. We had enough time to watch a movie about the radio telescope and explore the view.

3. La Poza Del Obizpo

Beaches

By the2sistersontheroad

Don’t forget your sunscreen and your camera, because also it is a great place to get pictures and videos of the waves…

4. Cueva Ventana

Caverns & Caves

Open now

By vjsesh

We learnt a lot about the caves, inscriptions, the habitats and the view with Rio Grande in the backdrop is out of th…

5. Playa La Poza del Obispo

Beaches

Open now

By E6615CGannap

Crystal clear water and majestic waves crashes along side the the rocks!

6. Bosque Cambalache National Park

National Parks

Open now

By HOMEAGAIN3

Make sure you have an active map on your phone if you want to find your way out. With a little effort much could be…

7. Rio La Planta

Bodies of Water • Waterfalls

Open now

By AliBug

You need to walk up the river about 10 minutes. Wear proper water shoes because the river is full of rocks. The second…

8. Catedral San Felipe Apostol

Churches & Cathedrals

Open now

By Mitsubishi0075

The cathedral of Arecibo is Puerto Rico’s second-largest church after the Cathedral of San Juan. The plan is…

9. Arecibo River

Bodies of Water

By 10Stops

Great for a family trip. Multiple spots where to do a day trip. Perfect for hiking and nature lovers.

10. Rio Tanama

Bodies of Water

Open now

By AliBug

You need to walk up the river about 10 minutes. Wear proper water shoes because the river is full of rocks. The second…

11. Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park

Lighthouses • Parks

Open now

By Liztravelerr

Visiting Arecibo Light House

12. Coliseo Manuel “Petaca” Iguina

Arenas & Stadiums

By rauld81

Little outdated arena but this is the home for the biggest basketball dynasty in Puerto Rico. Is one of the biggest…

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

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The Perfect Getaway with Snorkeling
Adventure Tours
from
$256.42
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Full-Day Gozalandia Private Tour in Puerto Rico
Bus Tours
from
$640.98
per group (up to
4
)
Rainforest and beach!
Luxury Car Tours
from
$200.00
per adult
Beach time and Waterfall Experience!
Bus Tours
from
$150. 00
per adult
Full-Day Cave and Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$185.00
per adult
Western Island Full Day Tour
Full-day Tours
from
$130.00
per adult
North West Adventure Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$196.23
per adult
Cave, Waterfall and Beach Combo-Private Full-Day Nature Lovers
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult

See all

River Caving in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$155. 00
per adult
VIP services group tour
Walking Tours
from
$1,000.00
per group (up to
14
)
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Slide Down the Largest Waterslide in Puerto Rico with Transportation
Bus Tours
from
$105.00
per adult
Jurassic Adventure
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult
Full-Day Cave and Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$185.00
per adult
Cave and lunch Day Tour from San Juan
from
$99.00
per adult
Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation
Adventure Tours
from
$115. 00
per adult
Tanama Eco-Adventure
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult
North West Adventure Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$196.23
per adult
Cave, Waterfall and Beach Combo-Private Full-Day Nature Lovers
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Full-Day Gozalandia Private Tour in Puerto Rico
Bus Tours
from
$640.98
per group (up to
4
)
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150. 00
per adult
3 day Puerto Rico Private Bucketlist Experience
Adventure Tours
from
$1,299.99
per adult (price varies by group size)

See all

Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation
Adventure Tours
from
$115.00
per adult
Taino Cave and Charco Azul Caves Experience
Full-day Tours
from
$170.00
per adult
The Perfect Getaway with Snorkeling
Adventure Tours
from
$256.42
per adult
Rainforest and beach!
Luxury Car Tours
from
$200.00
per adult
3 day Puerto Rico Private Bucketlist Experience
Adventure Tours
from
$1,299. 99
per adult (price varies by group size)
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Slide Down the Largest Waterslide in Puerto Rico with Transportation
Bus Tours
from
$105.00
per adult

See all

Western Island Full Day Tour
Full-day Tours
from
$130.00
per adult
Rainforest and beach!
Luxury Car Tours
from
$200.00
per adult
River Caving in Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$155.00
per adult
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
Beach time and Waterfall Experience!
Bus Tours
from
$150. 00
per adult

See all

Western Island Full Day Tour
Full-day Tours
from
$130.00
per adult
Cave, Waterfall and Beach Combo-Private Full-Day Nature Lovers
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Full-Day Gozalandia Private Tour in Puerto Rico
Bus Tours
from
$640.98
per group (up to
4
)
Lagoon Caves, & Local Beach Day Combo-Private Tour
Bus Tours
from
$150.00
per adult
3 day Puerto Rico Private Bucketlist Experience
Adventure Tours
from
$1,299. 99
per adult (price varies by group size)

See all

Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation
Adventure Tours
from
$115.00
per adult
North West Adventure Puerto Rico
Adventure Tours
from
$196.23
per adult
VIP services group tour
Walking Tours
from
$1,000.00
per group (up to
14
)
Jurassic Adventure
Adventure Tours
from
$89.00
per adult

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

Jenny M
Ankeny, IA355 contributions
Beautiful views
There is a $10 fee for anyone who enters. Plenty of parking at this place. Take water and lots of pictures. They guy who takes the money speaks fast and makes sure you see everything from all the caves to all the arches. Give yourself a couple of hrs and wear good walking shoes
Review of: Cueva del Indio
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenny M
Ankeny, IA355 contributions
Neat
Neat to see the dish and columns. Need to have an understanding of science. There are hands on experience for kids. Purchase tickets in advance online $15 for adults. It is not hard to find, there are signs from Arecibo which is approximately 30 min away. There are a lot of steps and steep hill to climb to get to the observatory. There is a small gift shop. You can watch an 8 min video of the history. You can learn a lot by going. There are actual remnants of the antenna.
Review of: Arecibo Observatory
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
toriadori
Boqueron, Puerto Rico111 contributions
The best ‘wave pool’ on the island
Very easy to access, very unlikely to get scratched by rocks, lots of beach. This Poza has exciting waves that break over the narrow channel between it and the ocean, but it’s mostly very shallow and spacious. Every visit we’ve seen families with small children. I would never leave the children unattended, but I think it’s truly enchanting for both young and old. Also, the nearby beaches are rough enough for surfing so you can have more than one experience from the same parking lot.
Review of: La Poza Del Obizpo
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
toriadori
Boqueron, Puerto Rico111 contributions
i think this is closed right now. try camuy river cave
Is this the same as Aventura Cueva Ventana? i think it is. They are currently closed and it might be permanent (Hope not). They built a view walkway and word is they didn’t have permits to do that. If it’s open, please go! it’s so breathtaking. IF it’s not, try Camuy River Cavern!
Review of: Cueva Ventana
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna P
Long Valley, NJ12 contributions
Hidden Gem
Absolutely breathtaking local beach! Crystal clear water and majestic waves crashes along side the the rocks! What a wonderful hidden gem!
Review of: Playa La Poza del Obispo
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Visa711
Toledo, Oh597 contributions
Nice 4 mile hike
Many of the forests in PR are still closed after hurricane Maria, but this one is in great shape. It is fairly easy to find, and the GPS coordinates for the parking lot are 18.4526024, -66.5971604. Once in there, you will find a picnic area and restrooms. The hike we did was around the perimeter and it was about 4 miles. It looked like the inner trails that connected to the main one were still closed. The hike was very nice with a little bit of elevation changes, lots of lizards, butterflies, and some birds.
Review of: Bosque Cambalache National Park
Written January 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nelson
Salinas, Puerto Rico81 contributions
Very beautiful waterfall
I visited this place in July 2020.
Google Maps and Waze will not drive you there correctly. You must drive to La Planta Parking pass a community basketball court, the keep driving all the way to the end in that road you will find a street ign that
Review of: Rio La Planta
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mitsubishi0075
Puerto Rico3,641 contributions
Arecibo greates History
The Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle was built beginning in the late 18th century. The first church, built in the middle of the 17th century, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787. Construction of its replacement began soon after, although it was not completed until 1846. Four days after its dedication, an earthquake seriously damaged it. Repairs were not completed until 1882. The 1918 earthquake damaged the vault so badly that it was replaced by a flat concrete roof; a vaulted ceiling of composition board was placed inside.
The cathedral of Arecibo is Puerto Rico’s second-largest church after the Cathedral of San Juan. The plan is rectangular with three naves; the side naves are cut short to allow large flanking chapels, which occupy almost half the length of the church. The apse is semicircular, and has an unusual half-dome covering it. The facade is a triangular composition of three stages. The top stage, a short central tower, is a later addition, according to local architects and historians. Neoclassic ornamentation is used in an academic fashion on the lowest stage, but the other two show a less traditional use of bands and pilasters. The Renaissance-style windows are uncommon in Puerto Rican churches, but the central tower over the entrance is a common motif used throughout the island.
Review of: Catedral San Felipe Apostol
Written October 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
10Stops
Puerto Rico27 contributions
Great for hiking and nature lovers.
Great for a family trip. Multiple spots where to do a day trip. Perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Review of: Arecibo River
Written April 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
meg0livia
San Diego, CA28 contributions
Hidden gem! Definitely a must see!
I initially planned to go to Gozalandia, but it was kinda out of my way so I came across this on google! So glad I did! It is beautiful! And a much bigger waterfall than the pictures from Gozalandia(and FREE!) FREE is the best, right?!?! Don’t let anyone hassle you into paying to park either. It does NOT cost anything. You won’t regret visiting Rio Tanamá, bring water shoes and your bathing suit though! It is super rocky! My 6 and 13 year old kids were able to hike and swim it so it wasn’t too strenuous. The second waterfall(the bigger one) is about five minutes upstream. Once you start to kinda see the waterfall and the big rocks that block it, go to the left and you will see a trail. Get out of the water and get on the trail. The trail will lead you right to it. You don’t have to take the trail, you can continue to stay in the water, but the water gets rough and the rocks are hard to climb over. We didn’t know this until after the fact and we got bruised up a little, but all is good….the trail just makes it easier. There is also another path early on that leads uphill. It gives you a great view of the second waterfall from above, but you cannot access the waterfall from there. It’s just for viewing purposes and great photo opportunities!
Review of: Rio Tanama
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenny M
Ankeny, IA355 contributions
Only for families with small children
Definitely not for couples, this is a family park for kids and it cost $12 for adults, not worth it. There was a lot about the history
Review of: Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raul D
San Antonio, TX314 contributions
Dunasty
Little outdated arena but this is the home for the biggest basketball dynasty in Puerto Rico. Is one of the biggest basketball arenas in the Island.
Review of: Coliseo Manuel “Petaca” Iguina
Written January 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raul D
San Antonio, TX314 contributions
Not for kids
This is a open water beach located in Arecibo 681 Road. I recommend this beach for experienced swimmers. Not recommended for kids to go in the water. Good for surfers.
Review of: Caza Y Pesca Beach
Written January 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam
Nuremberg, Germany11,634 contributions
Cinemas
This is my favorite movie theater. Been so many times since I was a boy. These days most people go to the modern one in Hatillo bit this one is bigger. Good parking. Convenient prices. Needs some renovation but still love it
Review of: Caribbean Cinemas Arecibo
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam
Nuremberg, Germany11,634 contributions
Plaza
Been to this plaza multiple times. This area used to be way more relevant and important in the area especially before shopping malls came around. Now you have some good restaurants around
Review of: Plaza De Recreo
Written June 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arecibo

The top attractions to visit in Arecibo are:

Cueva del Indio
Arecibo Observatory
La Poza Del Obizpo
Cueva Ventana
Bosque Cambalache National Park

See all attractions in Arecibo on Tripadvisor

The best outdoor activities in Arecibo according to Tripadvisor travelers are:

Cueva del Indio
La Poza Del Obizpo
Cueva Ventana
Playa La Poza del Obispo
Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park

See all outdoor activities in Arecibo on Tripadvisor

The best day trips from Arecibo according to Tripadvisor travelers are:

Full-Day Cave and Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico
All inclusive Three in One Cave, Mountain, and Beach Tour
Taino Cave and Charco Azul Caves Experience
Tanama Eco-Adventure
Cave of The Taino Indian and Beach Tour with Transportation

See all day trips from Arecibo on Tripadvisor

La Poza del Obispo Beach, Arecibo – Puerto Rico

Reserve a Day Trip to Pozo de Obispo & Cueva de Indio Cave

Poza del Obispo is one of the smallest and most unique beaches in Puerto Rico. We’ve included this beach on our suggested itinerary for exploring the best attractions in the north region of Puerto Rico. This off-the-beaten-path beach is actually two beaches in one place. The main draw here is La Poza (the pool). During the week, you’ll probably be sharing the beach with a few other couples.

Don’t Miss the Amazing Caves on the North Coast

Playa Poza del Obispo is nice and wide, with plenty of space for lounging on the sand even on a busy day. The sand is soft and golden, but there is little shade, so be sure to bring plenty of sunblock lotion or a beach umbrella. The waters of Poza del Obispo are crystal clear, you may spot colorful tropical fish swimming around your feet. When the waters are very calm, you can do a little snorkeling, observe the coral, and encounter sea life.

When the water is calm, Poza del Obispo, feels like a million-dollar infinity pool. Although gorgeous, it can be dangerous, a strong wave can come in and drag you out into the ocean. The best time to enjoy this beach is from May – late summer when the water is calmest. During bad weather and winter months, the beach may be unsafe for use, but even more breathtaking to sit down on a lounge chair and admire the ocean waves.

The natural show performed on by the waves is spectacular. The never-ending melody of the ocean waves, and the mesmerizing sights of the ocean playfully coming towards the rocks, looks as if the ocean, challenges itself to come up higher than the last crash. Simply Better than Fireworks!

Click on the following gallery to see how the waves move and crash…

This is one of those places, that forces you to put your smartphone down, forget about the daily routine, and surrender your eyes to the majesty of the ocean. It’s interesting to watch adults, become children again, filled with wonder and excitement for the next wave to come. While you’re here, enjoy the island life, forget about your cares for a few hours, and enjoy the simple, yet rich things, that Puerto Rico is offering you.

East of Pozo del Obispo Beach is a long beach perfect for taking a relaxing walk.

The beach next door is popular among locals for surfing and boogie boarding. This beach is not safe for swimming, there are no lifeguards, you swim at your own risk.

More than a beautiful beach, this is an important nesting site, for sea turtles in danger of extinction. A community group (Amigos de la Poza), made up of volunteers, worked with DRNA for years trying to formally adopt this ecological site. Their goals are maintaining the beach clean, protecting its natural resources, and alerting officials of turtle nesting sites.

A Little History

This beach is named in honor of Juan Alejo de Arizmendi y de la Torre, the first Puerto Rican Bishop. In 1785, he was returning to Puerto Rico from a trip to the Dominican Republic. The boat sank and capsized along this beach. The town considered his survival a miracle and this beach was named in remembrance of the event. *

Help Protect Playa Poza del Obispo and Turtle Nesting Sites

When you visit, please help keep the beach clean by putting trash in receptacles or taking it with you, each visitor can make a difference.
Don’t leave any plastic, bottle caps or any objects on the sand. Anything in the way makes it harder for baby sea turtles to get in the ocean.

Best Time to Visit – Water Conditions

Any time of the year is a good time to visit, beaches in Puerto Rico are great year-round. The best time to swim and enjoy the “pool” beach, are from April to October when waters are calmer, but during normal weather, it is good to visit any time of the year. During winter months and when storms are approaching, waves get stronger, and more forceful waters wash into the pool. If the waves are strong, simply enjoy the beach along the edges where it’s safest, sit down on the sand and enjoy the show, beats sitting on the snow any day.

Crowds at Poza del Obispo – Arecibo

During weekends, summers, and holidays, Poza del Obispo is a popular family beach for locals in Arecibo and nearby towns. When it’s high season(December – Mid March) on other destinations around Puerto Rico, weekdays on this beach and others along the north, are actually very quiet and relaxed.

Safety at Poza del Obispo – Arecibo

Safety: Please refrain from climbing the coral wall and floor next to the open sea, the rocks are sharp and can be very slippery. The ocean spray may look beautiful, but a strong wave could potentially hit you, cause a fall in the open ocean, and possibly drowning. Sadly, some lives have been lost at this beach. Please supervise your children at all times, and practice safety first.

Getting to Poza del Obispo Beach – Arecibo

The easiest way to find the beach is to look for signs of the Arecibo Lighthouse, make a right before the road ends, which is the entrance to the lighthouse park. Parking is very convenient, get here early on weekends and holidays to get a good spot, just steps from the beach.

The famous Arecibo radio telescope collapsed in Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico has said goodbye to one of the buildings that has been iconic for more than half a century. This is the Arecibo telescope.

A multi-ton suspension platform of the Arecibo radio telescope collapsed in Puerto Rico. Meteorologist Deborah Martorell wrote about this on her Twitter page, attaching a corresponding photo.

The incident was confirmed by the US National Science Foundation. It is noted that no one was injured in the incident. The situation is assessed and priority is given to the safety of workers.

Experts thought about repairing the installation, but came to the conclusion that this is fraught with negative consequences. Problems at the radio telescope began in August of this year, as one of the cables burst, supporting the cabin with the receiving equipment hanging above the antenna.

Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the scientific program “Radioastron” Yuri Kovalev wrote on his Facebook page (banned in the Russian Federation) that the installation collapsed due to a fallen antenna feed.

The Astronomical Observatory was officially opened in November 1963. His “stuffing” was repeatedly improved. Thanks to the radio telescope, many discoveries have been made.

“Arecibo” can be seen in many films. Many tourists came to the installation every year to see the large structure with their own eyes.

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The reason for the Arecibo crash was called an error when connecting the cable

01/26/2021 | 13:17

The giant radio telescope collapsed in December.

The investigation into the December crash of the legendary radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico continues. The first evidence was obtained that a manufacturing error could have been the cause of the accident.

The telescope’s massive scientific platform weighing 900 tons was suspended over a huge mirror by cables. In August 2020, one of these cables slipped out of its socket. Before the fault could be fixed, a second cable broke in November. The US National Science Foundation (NSF) concluded that the platform was too unstable to repair and decided to decommission the instrument. However, on December 1, a crash occurred: the Arecibo platform collapsed onto a plate.

Observatory director Francisco Cordova spoke about how the accident site is being cleared and the cause of the telescope’s death is being investigated.

At the same time, two investigations are looking into the cause of the collapse of the telescope, says space. com. The first one focuses on 12 auxiliary cables installed in the 1990s. One of these auxiliary cables failed first.

“Preliminary investigation showed that this was due to a manufacturing error: in particular, the connection procedure was not carried out properly, which led to a serious degradation of this structural element,” Cordova explained.

The second investigation focuses on the main cables that have fixed the structure of the telescope since the early 1960s. The cable, which broke in November, was loaded with only 60% of the weight it was supposed to support, according to engineers.

“There are usually a number of factors that contribute to an accident,” said the director of the observatory. Aside from the age of the telescope, the past few years have been tough for Puerto Rico, with Hurricane Maria hitting the island in 2017 and over 10,000 earthquakes during 2020.

“Basically, we were shaking all the time; that could definitely be one of the factors,” Cordova said. “This is now being analyzed by engineering teams.”

“Cleaning up the site and removing debris continues,” added the director of the observatory. The telescope’s azimuth arm, which helped control its instruments, and the dome suspended from it, which held the object’s antennas and radar transmitter, have already been removed. Environmental engineers also collected two types of potentially hazardous materials that were used on the platform.

Cordova said that workers had already taken apart part of the massive Arecibo mirror dish, 305 meters in diameter. “There is still a lot of discussion about what part of the reflector can be salvaged and how to do it,” said Francisco Cordova. “Now we are focusing on the safe removal of the platform structure, and then we will make a decision on the reflector.”

Photo: Shutterstock

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