Rebuild the Arecibo Observatory

29th November 2024

Dear President Biden,

In the Lame-Duck time of your administration there is something I would ask you to see to that would stand as a good gesture to this nation. I would ask you to at least propose or encourage the government to rebuild the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

You may or may not recall the destruction of this scientific tool back in 2020, but it had been a long standing temple to American science and technology. It was the largest radio telescope in the world for many years until being surpassed by the Chinese FAST model and was a major player in the planning of NASA missions.

It had been in operation since the late sixties and so was very old, but still a major facet of science and media appearing in movies and the like. I can tell you that even four years after it fell I still get updates about the science it made possible.

We have been talking of building a new telescope on the moon, but that will take time and the loss of Arecibo Observatory will have a negative impact on that project. The fall of the Arecibo Observatory left a hole in science and the local economy around the project as well as setting back NASA and the world of astronomy.

The cost of rebuilding the Arecibo Observatory would be almost nothing in terms of the US budget and it would make a big difference in the eyes of the people and the world. Making a plea for this place would be a kindness, and kindness is what Joe Biden is known for.

Many an American will cry when they see you walk out of the White House for the last time. This would give them one more reason.

God Bless America,


Richard Leland Neal

The Sun by Margaret J. Goldstein Book Review

'The Sun' by Margaret J. Goldstein is a book about that big

old star that keeps our world livable. 

It's a little book and I mean that literally it being a small hard cover that fits well in very little hands. 

One of the down points of this book is that it's on the outdated side of things still saying that Pluto is a planet. 

This book may spark the heart of your little astronomer. It also may be surpassed by something newer. 

Who should read this book? Children who know that everything in a book isn't right. 

Books read: 161 of 5000

'Astronomy Now: A Look at Mars' by Mary R. Dunn Book Review

'Astronomy Now: A Look at Mars' by Mary R. Dunn is what it

sounds like. It's a book about the planet Mars. Populated with wonderful photographs and facts about the red planet. 

This is sure to tickle the little astronomer in your child's head and make them more interested in space. Or at least that's what it does to me because I loved space as a kid and I still love it now. 

The problem with text books for kids is that if your child is not already interested in the topic at hand the book won't get them interested. I loved this book but I'm a sucker for space facts. 

Who should read this book? Your little astronomer. 

Books read: 142 of 5000