Telescope that created Joy Division's iconic Unknown Pleasures artwork has collapsed

02 December 2020, 10:02 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Joy Division)

The Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico, responsible for capturing the image that became Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures album artwork, has collapsed.

The collapse happened overnight on 30 November, and saw the instrument platform of the 305m telescope at Arecibo Observatory fall on a reflector dish 450ft below.

Officials announced just weeks ago that the telescope would be dismantled over safety fears, but the collapse happened before they could dismantle it. The National Science Foundation confirmed yesterday (1 December) that no injuries have been reported.

NSF is saddened by this development. As we move forward, we will be looking for ways to assist the scientific community and maintain our strong relationship with the people of Puerto Rico.
— National Science Foundation (@NSF) December 1, 2020

As BBC reports, the Arecibo telescope was one of the largest in the world, and was used for vital research by radio astronomers for the past 57 years.

The observatory and telescope featured in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, and was also responsible for capturing the image that became Joy Division's iconic Unknown Pleasures artwork in 1979.

Prior to the collapse the telescope featured a 1000ft-wide radio dish with the instrument platform suspended by cables from three towers 450ft above.

The National Science Foundation is working with stakeholders to investigate the collapse and maintain safety at the site.