![]() It was used for a number of purposes, including studying the rotation of Mercury, research into stars, pulsars, asteroids, nebulae and galaxies, discoveries of first exoplanets (extrasolar planets), as well as sending the first intentionally created radio signal addressed to hypothetical extra-terrestrial civilizations into outer space. The Arecibo radio-telescope is a unique, iconic device, considered one of the best-recognised symbols of science in the world. In 2016 it was surpassed by the larger FAST radio telescope in China (500 metres in diameter). From 1963, when it was built, until 2016 it was the largest single-aperture radio telescope in the world. The access to the telescope has also been granted to other research institutions. Located near the town of Arecibo in Puerto Rico, it has been used for research in radio astronomy, atmospheric science, and radar astronomy by the Cornell University, SRI International, Universities Space Research Association, and the Metropolitan University of Puerto-Rico, in collaboration with the NSF. With 305 metres in diameter, Arecibo still remains one of the world’s largest single-aperture radio telescopes. Dr Elżbieta Kuligowska from the Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University gives a commentary on the decommissioning of one of the world’s most famous astronomical facilities. The enormous antenna has been breaking down for quite a long time, and, according to experts, its possible repair would be too dangerous to its future operators. The giant radio telescope Arecibo will soon cease to exist, as decided by the US National Science Foundation (NSF).
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