After 7 months and 2.1 million dollars in investment The Arecibo Observatory has now reopened.
The remodeled visitor center includes new interactive exhibits:
- Exploration of the Solar System
- Creation of a crater and the ability to see how it forms in slow motion
- Opportunity to become a human pulsar that spins at different speeds
- Touch a meteor
- View Martian Rock and Lunar samples
These new exhibits are focused on the work done at the Arecibo Observatory promoting the expansion of the visitor’s knowledge in the areas of radio astronomy, atmospheric science and planetary studies, in a fun way.
The investments of this renovations amounted to 2.1 million dollars and it was achieved thanks to the contribution of the Angel Ramos Foundation and the Ana G. Méndez University System. In addition to internal renovations of the educational center, external renovations were added such as a roof on the observation deck, more restrooms and a new facade built at the entrance of the Center.
“Renewing the exhibits represents a new opportunity to stimulate science studies; promote curiosity, innovation and creativity for this new generation of students. In addition, it demonstrates the importance of investing in planetary science, astronomy, engineering, and atmospheric science, “said Carlos Padin M. Bibiloni, chancellor of the Metropolitan University.
For his part, Mr. Rafael Cortés Dapena, president of the Angel Ramos Foundation, said “In line with our commitment to education in Puerto Rico, The Arecibo Observatory is a project that, since 1989, we proudly support. We hope that the ‘new’ center will serve as an educational resource for many of our educators and as encouragement for the study and cultivation of the sciences. The Center will be open for children, students and university students, as well as lovers of science, for the local and international community. If we provide a better education, we’ll achieve a better Puerto Rico.”
During the renovation period “Research and observations made by scientists using the radio telescope, were not affected in any way during the temporary closure and were conducted as usualâ€, said Andrew Ortiz, director of the Angel Ramos Foundation Science and Visitors Center.
The Center receives an average of 90,000 visitors a year, from Puerto Rico and the entire world.
Located in Puerto Rico, The Arecibo Observatory is home to the largest and most sensitive single dish radio telescope in the world. The Arecibo Observatory is operated by SRI International in partnership with Sistema Ana G. Mendez Universidad Metropolitana and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), under a cooperative agreement with the National Society of Sciences (NSF). The planetary radar program is supported by NASA’s Near Earth Object Observation Program.
The admission fee is $12 for adults and $8 for children (5-12 years) and seniors. This includes a tour through the Science and Visitors Center, a film about the history and work of the Arecibo Observatory, a short talk by an academic guide and the view from the observation deck to appreciate the breathtaking view. There are special prices for school groups and camps.
For more information, call 787-878-2612, ext. 346 or 312 or Follow the Arecibo Observatory on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Press release
