The Arecibo Observatory and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have released shocking footage of the moment earlier this week when the 900 tonne platform collapsed onto the 305 m-wide dish.

The video was captured by a drone that was filming as disaster struck. In a briefing along with the release of the footage, the NSF said it is now working to mitigate environmental issues and finding a way to support the scientific community.

“We recognise the significance of this loss to Puerto Rico and to so many that have called Arecibo their home whether for years or a week,” noted Ashley Zauderer, NSF programme director for Arecibo. “It inspired schoolchildren and visitors, and it inspired scientific discovery.”