Skip to Main Content

Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Other: World's Largest Radio Telescope

Visitor Tips and News About World's Largest Radio Telescope

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Radio observatory.

Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Other - World's Largest Radio Telescope

Surfing your site, I was surprised to find very little mention of any of the great attractions in Puerto Rico. So I thought I would add the Arecibo Observatory in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A giant radio telescope and satellite dish built into the landscape during the 1960s and used in films such as Contact, starring Jodie Foster. Open to the public (with a long uphill climb from the parking area), with a planetarium show, scientific displays and a neat gift shop. An observation deck overlooks the giant dish for viewing and a photo op. Of course, the best place to take a photo is from about 2,500 feet above.... that's the only place to get the whole thing in your photo! I suggest just settling for the postcards..

[Jeff Segar, 05/30/2004]

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Other Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings