Arecibo Observatory

views updated May 17 2018

Arecibo Observatory Radio and radar telescope near Arecibo in Puerto Rico. With a diameter of 305m (1,000ft), it is the largest single-bowl type of instrument in operation. It is built into a natural hollow in the limestone terrain and cannot be steered. However, an ingenious feed system enables the beam to be swung as far as 20° from the zenith. It was opened in 1963 and is operated by Cornell University in the United States.

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Arecibo

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Updated Aug 13 2018 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic