Arecibo Telescope Collapse Attributed to Zinc Creep and Electroplasticity

A new report suggests that electromagnetic radiation and zinc creep contributed to the 2020 failure of the iconic Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

The Arecibo Observatory, once the world's largest radio telescope, collapsed in December 2020 due to failures in its cable spelter sockets.
A committee report attributes the collapse to long-term zinc creep in the sockets, potentially accelerated by the telescope's electromagnetic environment.
Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused initial damage to the structure, but post-storm inspections failed to identify critical socket degradation.
The concept of electroplasticity, where low-level electric currents increase metal creep, is proposed as a unique factor in Arecibo's failure.
The National Science Foundation plans to convert the site into an educational center, preserving Arecibo's legacy in science and community engagement.