The Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory

Christine M. Matthews
Specialist in Science and Technology Policy

The Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory is a radio and radar telescope located in Barrio Esperanza, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). In 2005-2006, NSF’s Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) conducted a Senior Review of its portfolio of facilities. Among other things, the Senior Review was to identify potential reinvestment in the highest priority existing programs in AST and restructure the operational efficiency of the existing facilities. The Review reported that the scientific value of the Arecibo was modest when compared to other existing and proposed projects and recommended decreasing the telescope’s annual $12.0 million budget to $9.0 million in FY2009, and securing partnerships for the remaining necessary funding. If alternate funding sources or partnerships could not be obtained by 2011, the Review recommended dismantling the facility. At question is if the next Senior Review of the Arecibo will support its continued operation or again recommend its dismantling in the support of construction of new instruments and facilities. The issue before the 112th Congress is whether the Arecibo is more cost-effective than replacing it with newer, available technology.

In June 2011, NSF announced that it awarded a $42.0 million, five-year contract to SRI international to manage, operate, and maintain the Arecibo. SRI International will partner with the Universities Research Association, the Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, and the University of Puerto Rico. Currently the Arecibo is operating on a $10.7 million budget. It is anticipated that the FY2012 budget will approximate $8.7 million. The Arecibo will, among other things, expand its research on the study of the ionosphere, the remains of imploded stars, and also search within and beyond the Milky Way for asteroids and pulsars. The funding is scheduled to being October 1, 2011.


Date of Report: June 16, 2011
Number of Pages: 12
Order Number: R40437
Price: $29.95

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