The Arecibo Observatory was under threat of closure due to budget concerns. But thankfully it has gained funding which will keep it in operation until at least 2016.

If you are ever in Puerto Rico I can highly recommend at trip to visit the observatory. It is a lovely drive, and you can visit the town of Arecibo as well (which is located on the coast).

The Arecibo Radio Observatory operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has contributed much valuable data for astronomical research.

Construction on the site began in mid 1960 with an official opening taking place on 1 November, 1963.

It is still the worlds largest single dish radio telescope.