Raising of the Flag at the Arecibo Observatory
October 4, 2011
The radio telescope at Arecibo is the largest of its class in the world, it began function in 1963. It has been a site for atmospheric, astronomy and planetary science research for the last 48 years. Since its inception it had been managed by Cornell University.
In 2010, UMET joined the efforts of SRI International and Universities Space Research Association (USRA) to cement a new vision of the future administration of the Arecibo Observatory facilities. This alliance presented a proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the federal agency in charge of this fascinating facility. On June, 2011 this alliance was granted the opportunity to be the administrators of the Arecibo Observatory.
On October 1st, 2011 the Arecibo Observatory changed to be under this new alliance's guidance. In it UMET will be in charge of the operation management of the facilities, the †Бngel Ramos Foundation Visitors Center, as well as all the educational related programs.
On Tuesday October 4th, 2011 Dr. Federico Matheu, Chancellor of Universidad Metropolitana and Dr. Robert Kerr, Director of the Arecibo Observatory, had the honor of raising, for the first time, the flags of the new alliance. To quote Dr. Robert "Bob" Kerr in this historic moment "The Arecibo Observatory has always been in Puerto Rico, now Puerto Rico is in the Observatory". Added Dr. Matheu "This is a legacy for Puerto Rico".
