Preparations for Hurricane Irma :: Statement from AO's Director - Eng. Francisco Cordova

Thank you all for the support and well wishes as the Arecibo Observatory prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. We activated our hurricane preparation procedure last Thursday August 31st to ensure the safekeeping of the facility and the staff.

The preparations are quite extensive and usually take multiple days and the entire focus of our incredible staff. These activities include:  Disassembly of the tip of 430MHz antenna line feed.  Disconnect all the 430 Mhz waveguide flexible joints along the Catwalk.  Installation of steel safety pins to lock the Gregorian dome in storage mode.  Installation of storm shutters on the control room, laboratory areas and the science and visitor center.  Preventive maintenance of on-site backup generators and ensuring there is diesel fuel available.  Fueling and storage of observatory vehicles.  Safekeeping of all electronic equipment in laboratories and office areas.  Anchoring of the 12m reference antenna.  Securing any loose tools or equipment in the platform and surrounding structure.  Removing equipment and securing remote observing facilities in neighboring islands.

The team also developed a comprehensive communications strategy for the staff, our users and the neighboring community using our webpage, social media networks, emails and short wave radio communication. We have suspended all observations through Sunday September 10th, and plan on restarting operations again on Monday September 11th, weather permitting.

While the Observatory has endured multiple hurricane threats in the past and our preparations have proven successful, this is certainly a unique storm system much more powerful than anything we have seen in the past. We will continue to provide updates on the storm and the facilities as frequently as we can. We plan on reaching the observatory facilities as soon as possible after the storm (Thursday evening or Friday morning) to assess damages and provide support to the staff and community with fresh water and electricity if possible.

We urge the people of Puerto Rico to stay indoors and seek shelter as we wait for this historic storm. As always, thanks for your support and interest in the Arecibo Observatory.

Thanks, Sincerely, Francisco Córdova, MSCE, PE Director – Arecibo Observatory