Storm damage at Arecibo

SETI@home and SETI BETA - project now closed, maybe for good :-(
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UBT - Timbo
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Storm damage at Arecibo

Post by UBT - Timbo »

Hi all

I received a message on BOINC Manager on 21st Sept about the issue of Hurricane Maria and what might have happened at Arecibo.

There is a link, which I'm repeating here, in case any one missed it:

https://setiathome.berkeley.edu/forum_t ... p?id=81966

One of the replies on that thread is this:
"The workers and families weathered the Hurricane in the structures at the array. The antenna was damaged with a boom falling from the supported antenna structure to the panels below mangling the boom and damaging several reflector panels. The Onion enclosure remains secure although it is feared that antennas within will need realignment as they did in previous high wind event hurricanes. The suspension rigging was not damaged and is being examined to insure site and worker safety.

Costs are not yet determined as damages still need assessment and replacement repair price breakouts calculated.

Arecibo remains difficult to access due to many downed trees, road washouts, and mudslides. Power is running on generators with conservation of diesel being exercised.

The above was gleaned from a news report and interview with the Director of the site."
There are plenty of links on this thread for other reports.

The main thing is that the people are safe and the dish is repairable, albeit at a cost.

regards
Tim
UBT - Timbo
UBT Forum Admin
Posts: 9673
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:00 am
Location: NW Midlands
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Re: Storm damage at Arecibo

Post by UBT - Timbo »

Hi all

Arecibo update:

It seems that budget constraints with the NSF could have caused Arecibo to be shut down - esp after the recent hurricanes did damage to its infrastructure - but this seems to have been averted according to this news:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/18 ... _lives_on/

Funding from third parties will be required, apparently, but at least it means that real science can continue to be done at the facility (once any repairs are carried out). :-)

regards
Tim
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