The Arecibo Antenna

By: Helias Doundoulakis

Narrated by: Adam Croasdell

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The Arecibo Radio Telescope (Arecibo) has made amazing findings that would otherwise have remained undiscovered. Yet, Arecibo’s inception is shrouded in mystery: unknown is the true story behind its creation, secret for all these years. Until now.

In his final book, Helias Doundoulakis demystifies Arecibo for the novice, from dreams to drawings. The chronological account of the iconic telescope is made plain for all to see, which spanned six decades. Read how his brother, George Doundoulakis, undertook its conception and fielding, finally winning patent rights for his brother Helias, CIA director William Casey, and Gus Michalos. Follow the inseparable brothers on their journey of courage, inspiration, and brilliance that advanced the design of Arecibo and inspired generations of space scientists for years to come.

©2022 Helias Doundoulakis (P)2022 Helias Doundoulakis

Critic reviews

“With memoir elements, Helias Doundoulakis’s The Arecibo Antenna is the exciting history of the construction of the world’s most powerful radio telescope. The Arecibo Antenna is a humane account of the people behind an engineering marvel.” (Matt Benzing, Foreword/Clarion Review)

“Doundoulakis carefully recounts the powerful antenna’s path from its germ of an idea in the mid-20th century to its construction in a remote jungle just outside Arecibo, Puerto Rico. History books are often dry and pedantic, but Doundoulakis delivers an engaging writing style that will please physics enthusiasts and non-scientific readers alike. In sum, this is a well-constructed, accessible read, and a worthy addition to the Arecibo antenna’s legacy.” (BlueInk Review)

“A comprehensive insider’s history of a cutting-edge radio telescope. The text is admirably descriptive, and its density of information is likely to appeal most to readers who are already familiar with the science of astronomy. A scholarly presentation of an architectural wonder.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Mystery Revealed

The creation of the Arecibo Radio Telescope (Arecibo) has been a mystery for decades. The true creator and the thought process behind its creation have been shrouded and protected.  Why? In this book, the author reveals all the deep secrets surrounding the Arecibo and its various uses.

The author, Helias Doundoulakis details the history of Arecibo beginning with the creator and his inspiration behind its creation.  Furthermore, he reveals the CIA’s involvement and more.  Importantly though, it is the story of two brothers who endure and succeed in the various military endeavors they enlist in from the MI6 to the US and more. He brings the human quality into the story in rich and vivid detail.  The story is interesting and historically accurate. 

The narrator, Adam Croasdell delivers a strong performance.  He speaks clearly and with a steady cadence that keeps the story moving forward.  He projects the love and respect the author holds for his brother and their time together. 

Overall, this is an interesting and well-written historical and creative non-fiction book.  My only issue was how long it took to get to the actual story.  Having to go through definitions, acronym meanings, and then the prologue. However, these pieces were necessary to ground the listener, it was just slightly tedious.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.