Sic Transit Gloria Mundi [Microwave Surfing]

Reports on Arecibo, a national research center supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The center focuses on such areas as radio astronomy, planetary radar and upper atmospheric sciences. The Arecibo Observatory’s principal astronomical research instrument is a 305-meter fixed spherical radio/radar telescope, one of the world’s largest radio telescope[s]. Its frequency capabilities range from 50 megahertz to 11 gigahertz. Transmitters include an S-band (2,380-megahertz) radar system for planetary studies and a 430-megahertz radar system for atmospheric science studies and a heating facility for ionospheric research.