Instead, the NSF announced this week they have chosen four institutions to transition the site from its historic hub of astronomical research to a STEM educational outreach center, with a seeming focus on biology. A biomedical laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York along with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the University of the Sacred Heart, both in San Juan will oversee the new education center.

Planetary astronomer and native Puerto Rican and Edgard Rivera-Valentín told us last year that he was heart-broken by the decision.

“Arecibo’s role in inspiring generations of Puerto Ricans centered on the fact that we had a world-class facility doing cutting-edge science in our home,” said Rivera-Valentín. “When I had the privilege of working at the observatory, as the first Arecibeño scientist to do so, I saw how it continued to serve that important role. But it did so because we were doing great science with the telescope. It did so because scientists at the observatory could be mentors and role models to students. Without the telescope, without the scientists, I don’t personally see how going to the visitor center won’t be like going to a memorial.”

NSF says the STEM education research and skill building will include school field trips and summer camps, professional development in education and data science, interactive exhibits, and public science programs and areas for conferences, workshops, and meetings. The center’s new director, astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced, has said there will be an exhibit about the historical importance of Arecibo’s astronomy research.