Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo Observatory was a radio telescope facility in Puerto Rico that sat within a natural limestone depression and once conducted measurements through a 305-meter metal mesh. The facility included a platform above the dish from which signal-receiving equipment was suspended.

The facility began operations in 1963 and developed over decades into a leading site for atmospheric and planetary research. A change in management occurred in 2011 when other institutions took over operational leadership.

The name comes from the nearby town that served as the administrative center for the facility during its operational years. Visitors today find a science center that offers insights into the former work in radio astronomy.

Access to the site involves hilly terrain that requires comfortable shoes and some physical stamina. Current information on visitor access should be checked in advance as parts of the area may be restricted following the collapse.

The facility served as a filming location for two well-known movies in the 1990s and introduced the telescope to a worldwide audience. Scientists sent a coded message into space from here in 1974 aimed at possible extraterrestrial civilizations.

Location: Arecibo

Inception: November 1, 1963

Elevation above the sea: 498 m

Diameter: 304.8 m

Website: https://naic.edu

GPS coordinates: 18.34667,-66.75333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:50