https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/n7vepk/arecibo-observatory-an-icon-of-science-and-pop-culture-has-collapsed > The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico collapsed on Tuesday, ending its illustrious 57-year run as a source of scientific discoveries and a site of public inspiration and wonder.  > The giant radio telescope was fatally destabilized by two devastating cable breaks within the past few months, prompting its operators to officially decommission it on November 19. Without the support of the cables, it was only a matter of time before the 900-ton platform suspended over the telescope dish snapped and fell. That moment finally came early in the morning of December 1, local time.