About Arecibo Observatory:

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) enables research in the areas of astronomy, planetary studies, and space. The NAIC supports progress in the above research areas by maintaining a scientific staff whose members develop individual research programs, provide assistance to visiting scientists, and extend available scientific opportunities by developing and implementing plans for future enhancements to NAIC facilities and instrumentation. NAIC strengthens scientific and engineering research potential by supporting activities which provide undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to further their education. NAIC contributes to the general understanding and appreciation of science by initiating and participation in public education and outreach programs. Use of the Arecibo Observatory (AO) operated by NAIC is available on an equal basis to all scientists from throughout the world to pursue research in astronomy, planetary, studies and, space and atmospheric sciences. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research, as ascertained by peer review of proposals by external referees.

  Some Dates to know:

1963 - NAIC commissioned for service, November 1

1965 - One of it's 1st accomplishments: Establishing the rotating rate of Mercury, which turned out to be 59 days rather than the previously estimated 88 days.

Late 80's - Detailed maps of the distribution of galaxies in the universe produces 3D description of the Universe.

1996 - Gregorian dome with reflectors enhances telescope capability, new planetary radar transmitter installed ground screen installed.

May 2000 - Radar Observations of Asteroid 216 Kleopatra reveal a "dog bone" shaped metal-rich object

Sep. 2000 - Discovery that 2000 DP107 was the first asteroid identified by radar as a binary system. The primary is roughly spherical with a diameter of 800 meters and the smaller secondary, which orbits it in 1.8 days, is about 300 meters. More information about discovery: http://naic.edu/~pradar and http://astrosun2.astro.cornell.edu/~jlm/2000DP107/

Feb. 2008 - Discovery of the first triple asteroid system among near Earth asteroid

Questions, the easy 3:

1.What Asteroid Is this? (the dog bone)

2.What is the Arecibo Observatory a part of?

3. What is the first accomplishment?

Check the dates and Intro for answers!