Arecibo Observatory

The Arecibo Observatory is a world-class science education facility with great scientific, cultural, and economic significance for Puerto Rico and the scientific community. It has contributed to numerous scientific discoveries, including the demonstration of gravitational waves from a binary pulsar and the first discovery of an extrasolar planet. The observatory features a 305-meter telescope, which was upgraded in the 1990s to increase its sensitivity and power. Although the telescope collapsed in 2020, the site is expected to continue its legacy as a science education facility, with plans to open the NSF Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement. The observatory has a rich history, with a visitors center and a range of scientific equipment, making it a great place to visit for families interested in science and astronomy