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Arecibo Observatory on Possible Brink of Collapse

From those links, I see the proposal is for a phased array.
In order to accomplish the overarching scientific goals stated above, we present a concept for the Next Generation Arecibo Telescope (NGAT) - an innovative combination of a compact, phased array of dishes on a steerable plate-like structure.

Compared to the Legacy Arecibo Telescope (LAT), the NGAT will provide 500 times wider field of view, 2.5 times larger sky coverage, 3 times more frequency coverage, nearly double the sensitivity in receiving radio astronomy signals, and more than four times greater transmitting power required for both Planetary and Atmospheric investigations.
The estimated cost is $454M. I have no idea if that's realistic. Given the proposed capabilities and other benefits, it sounds worth the investment.
 
Hey check this out

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Go China


I like that China is doing this kind of thing. Pity about their human rights record though and shitty government.
 
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Building a giant tilting platform over a potentially unstable karst sinkhole in an earthquake and hurricane prone area seems a tad risky to me but, hey, what the hell do I know?
 
From those links, I see the proposal is for a phased array.

The estimated cost is $454M. I have no idea if that's realistic. Given the proposed capabilities and other benefits, it sounds worth the investment.

I saw a higher price for this in some article. They also talked about phased construction. The preparatory work can only begin now. A full replacement will only take place in a few years. If there is enough funding
 
(I know this is an old thread but updated information...)
The National Science Foundation has announced they will not rebuild the radio telescope. They have announced solicitations for the creation of a $5 million education center at the site which does not include operational support for existing research facilities, including a 12-meter radio and Lidar facility.
The decision not to rebuild was made in part as the US government has other radio facilities that can do part of the mission once handled by Arecibo.
 
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