How The Arecibo Telescope Could Help Save The World

The radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico can do something that most radio telescopes can't: it can transmit. And that's useful for something other than sending messages to the stars: it might just help save the world one day.

(you can find contact details and social links there too)

[TomScottGo]

A bit of context here: I've wanted to go here for... I don't know, about twenty years? But it was too far away, too expensive, too inconvenient, and there's no way they'd allow tourists onto the platform itself. And then, a few months ago, I got an email from one of the scientists there, asking if I wanted to film with them. Getting to do ridiculous things like this is one of the reasons I make videos, and I really am so, so thankful to everyone involved!

[thebige]

This is now a documentary, and a memorial

[marcuskelly]

"Our biggest eye and ear just closed" - Thank you to all the staff and researchers at Arecibo

[green]

"One day it might just save the world" Oh no we've doomed ourselves

[ahreuwu]

1:05 "This platform isn't static, big parts of it move" you were sort of right Tom, in the saddest way possible

[vtron]

For 17 years I’ve known this place. It was very dear to me as a science enthusiast. It’s end has devastated me and many others. Thank you Tom Scott for visiting while you still had the chance.

[HimboJimbo]

"One day, it might just save the world"
_collapses_

[unvergebeneid]

"Our mirror is polished to within a few atoms accuracy." --a visible-light astronomer
"Wait, does that mean you can't even have moss growing in your dish?!" --a radio astronomer

[bryanchox]

It could help save the world!
2020: And i took that personally

[Davemcfc]

It's so refreshing hearing the people in Tom's videos. They always have such passion for the things they are working on. You can tell it's more than just their job that they're working on.

[Sam-lroi]

Incredibly sad the damage they sustained from the storms this year, though pretty fortunate you were able to get there before it did.

:/

[SkyRunnerOFFICIAL]

Rest In Peace ARECIBO !
Thanks for your amazing service for discovering the universe / 1963-2020

[howavawoh]

The fact that you made this means so much to me. Thank you so much. Much love from a Puerto Rican physics student

[Devar]

You did good, dish, you did good. Pity it couldn't get funding in the modern era to prevent what just happened.

[techandtrains]

Sad, sad news today.
God I hope we can rebuild bigger and better

[jukingeo]

I just heard the news this morning about the collapse of the Arecibo observatory platform. I didn't know it was in such a shape as that would ever happen, but I didn't know that last month (Nov 2020) and in August (2020) cables had snapped and when the second one went, they already deemed the radio telescope as a loss. That is really a sad shame given as to how much this observatory has given us since the 60's when it was built. I am aware they built a larger on in China in 2016, but from what I understand, that one cannot do everything that Arecibo could do. Also it was featured in two major movies (that I am aware of), Contact and Goldeneye. So it is saddening to hear of the loss of this magnificent structure.

[vinayutubeaccount]

This is one of the best(and my fav) videos you guys have done this year. Awesome work Matt and Tom 👏

[fonkbadonk]

My condolances to everyone that worked there or on or with it. It must hurt deeply to loose such an icon that was also so very useful. Especially so suddenly :(

[TrickyTrollGaming]

Rogue Transmission. My favourite map!

Fun Fact: Rogue Transmission is based of Arecibo but is fictitious and set in China. However, shortly before Battlefield 4 was released but likely while the map Rogue Transmission was already in development (I can't confirm this, but it is likely based on the typical development period of a AAA shooter), China began construction on their radio telescope, "Tianyan".

[quiqueboricua]

AMAZING! You went to Arecibo, Puerto Rico! This video was most needed to show the world the importance of Arecibo Radiotelescope. I visited it around 20 times when I was younger and always amazed me. The next time that you visit the Island send me a message and I can arrange visits to other places. Like always, great content!