Arecibo Ionospheric ObservatoryAmerica's ears and eyes are focused on the stars from the island
of Puerto Rico. In the northwest mountains of the island, about 90
minutes drive west of San Juan, among the Karst Country hills, is
one of the most important astronomical research facilities on
earth, the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory. Its massive dish is
larger in area than a dozen football fields and is sited in a
sinkhole, aimed at the heavens and tuned to detect the slightest
sounds emitted from the farthest stars. This is the home base for
NASA's 'SETI' (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) project,
and as such holds great fascination for visitors. A Visitors Centre
is equipped with interactive exhibits to demonstrate how the huge
structure works. Visitors can hike to the viewing platform to view
the vast tiled dish.
Address: Arecibo
Website: www.naic.edu
Telephone: 787 878 2612
Opening Time: Open daily from 9am to 4pm in June, July, December
and January. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in the remaining
months
Admission: $10 (adults); $6 (children) |
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