Arecibo Observatory

The Arecibo Observatory, located in Puerto Rico, was a large radio telescope known for its significant contributions to astronomy, atmospheric science, and radar studies of planets. Completed in 1963, its 305-meter dish received radio waves from space, helping to map galaxies, study quasars, and track asteroids. It played a crucial role in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) by listening for signals from other civilizations. Despite its closure in 2020 due to structural damage, Arecibo remains a symbol of scientific achievement and exploration, having advanced our understanding of the universe for decades.