Jorge Santiago-Ortiz has been holding back tears all Tuesday morning after hearing of the collapse of the instrument platform of the Arecibo Observatory.

"It's heartbreaking," Santiago-Ortiz tells Inverse. "It's really sad because it means so much."

On Tuesday, the instrument platform of the 305-meter telescope at Arecibo Observatory fell after a cable snapped, at approximately 7:55 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time. The event caused damage to the dish and the surrounding facilities. It was the latest blow to the historic observatory, that has served as an essential lookout onto the skies for 57 years.