The Arecibo Telescope uses radio and radar energy to explore the
universe. Its massive dish, built in a natural depression in the
jungles of Puerto Rico, measures 1,000 feet (305 meters) across
and 167 feet (51m) deep. Its 40,000 perforated aluminum panels
cover some 20 acres. Suspended 450 feet (137m) above the
reflector is the 900-ton receiver platform. NAIC/NSF/Arecibo
Observatory/David Parker/Science Photo Library
What do radio astronomy, Medicare, and Voice of America radio have in common? They depend on the U.S. Congress for their survival.
It's easy to forget that even an activity as lofty and edifying as astronomy has a political dimension. Like any federally funded activity, astronomy needs constituencies, lobbyists, and congressional supporters.
I was reminded of this sober reality by the announcement of a hearing this week by the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. The hearing's stated purpose is to "examine the United States' ability to track Near Earth Objects (NEOs) that potentially pose a significant threat to the planet."
But some friends of the Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico will be on hand to comment on looming budget cuts that could bring total radio silence to the largest radio telescope in the world. The National Science Foundation has recommended cutting Arecibo's budget. If the observatory does not secure outside funding for continued operations, it will shut down. In earlier blogs, I've reviewed the situation.
Donald Campbell, Cornell University professor of astronomy, will be at the hearing to discuss Arecibo's usefulness for finding and studying asteroids, including those that could potentially collide with Earth.
(Connection: Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.)
Arecibo, completed in 1963, remains the largest and most powerful radio telescope in the world. Radio astronomers have made important contributions to the study of asteroids. In a recent and notable example, astronomers used Arecibo and other radio scopes to confirm that miniscule nudges by photons of light can speed up or slow down asteroids' spin rates.
But it's hard to sell basic research on the Hill. Better to suggest that Arecibo is an essential weapon in our arsenal against Earth-shattering asteroids.
Planetary defense already has an active lobby. The search for NEOs already has real support in Congress. Indeed, it was Congress that ordered NASA, in 2005, to search for hazardous asteroids. So if Arecibo can hitch its wagon to planetary defense, it may gain the support it needs to stay open.
If you are a tax-paying American, the committee will be discussing what radio astronomers should do with your money. The Planetary Society is actively lobbying on behalf of Arecibo. If you want to be heard in Congress, send an email of support to comments@planetary.org. The Planetary Society will use your email to try and convince the powers that be to keep Arecibo running.