Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮ Arecibo Observatory
The Arecibo Observatory has collapsed.
Arecibo Observatory is a world-class attraction, an intriguing and educational place for the whole family. The Arecibo Observatory is nestled in the mountains of Arecibo, your adventure begins on the road as you drive through the green lush karst region. It was the largest radio telescope in the world until 2016 when China completed a radio telescope currently holding the largest in the world.
You may have seen the Arecibo Observatory on the Hollywood hits, Contact, and Golden Eye. Photos can’t capture the magnitude of this man-made wonder, you have to be here to appreciate the size of it.
The Arecibo Observatory, the world’s largest radio telescope, was dedicated in 1963. It’s design and implementation led to advances in the electrical engineering areas of antenna design, signal processing, and electronic instrumentation, and in the mechanical engineering areas of antenna suspension and drive systems. The drive system positions all active parts of the antenna with millimeter precision, regardless of temperature changes, enabling the telescope to maintain an accurate focus. Its subsequent operation led to advances in the scientific fields of radio astronomy, planetary studies, and space and atmospheric sciences.
Clips of Movies filmed at Arecibo Observatory
Tours of Arecibo Observatory & Popular Places
Visitor Center - Arecibo Observatory
Arecibo, Puerto RicoHere, through a variety of interactive exhibits, audiovisual displays, and informative panels, visitors are introduced to basic astronomy, atmospheric science, and the operation of the radio telescope and its related research areas. Arecibo Observatory is about 1.5 hours from San Juan, with a traffic plan for a 2-hour drive.
Hours
- Wednesday – Sunday & Holidays – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Mondays and Tuesdays Closed
Admission
- Adults $12.00
- Children (5-12 years)
- Seniors $8.00 Schools
- Special Groups Call for Appointment
Contact Information
- 787-878-2612 Ext. 346 / 786-462-6508
- Address: Arecibo Observatory – Route 625, Bo. Esperanza, Arecibo, PR 00612
- Official Site
Map - Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
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