HOME       CONTENTS      SEARCH      RECIPES      IMAGES      CONTACT US      TELL YOUR FRIENDS    click for full-size image Photo courtesy of stock.xchng.com, by Alexis Gonzalez, http://www.aegisarts.com Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico Arecibo, Puerto Rico is home to the world-famous Arecibo Observatory featuring the world's largest radio telescope. The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Arecibo Observatory has proved to be an attractive, unique setting for Hollywood filmmakers. The observatory was the setting for the climatic scenes in the James Bond movie Goldeneye. Contact, a movie starring Jodie Foster, based on a novel by Carl Sagan, was filmed partly at the Arecibo Observatory. Another science fiction movie called Survivor was filmed on observatory grounds. The observatory has made major contributions to the scientific community in understanding the chemistry and dynamics of the Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Driving directions to the Arecibo Observatory, starting from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. 1. Exit right to 26 (SAN JUAN). Continue for 3.3 miles 2. Bear right (immediately after passing under road bridge) and follow for 0.3 miles. You will be passing through Minillas Tunnel. 3. Continue on Rt. 22, (Expreso De Diego) West for 47.1 miles. Be ready to pay tolls along the way. 4. Exit Right on Salida 77B to Rt 129, LARES ( second exit ) and follow for 500 feet 5. Enter Rt. 129 South. Go on for aprox. 2.6 miles 6. Turn left on Rt. 635, ( Texaco Gas Station ), and follow for aprox. 1.24 miles 7. Turn right on crossroad to keep on ( 635 ) and follow for aprox. 3.6 miles 8. Turn right to continue on Rt. 635 for 0.5 miles 9. Turn left on 625 (cemetery ) and go on for aprox. 3.0 miles 10. Continue until you arrive at the Arecibo Observatory Main Gate. Ê   Web www.dollarman.com