Unplanned but not unexpected
The collapse of the instrument platform on December 1 was not a surprise. The famous radar dish was recently slated for controlled demolition following a series of cable failures. An auxiliary cable slipped from its socket in August, and a main cable snapped in early November due to the added strain. Engineers said the structure was at risk of imminent collapse and that it would be too dangerous for workers to attempt repairs. Monday’s unplanned collapse was not ideal, as officials were hoping to preserve scientific and educational infrastructure at the facility. Arecibo hosts 90,000 visitors each year.
