As the Arecibo Observatory is used to scan the cosmos for extraterrestrial life, the observatory itself has become a source of life sustenance in the aftermath of Hurricane Georges.

Following Hurricane Georges' sweep through the island Sept. 21, about 20 homes of observatory employees sustained damage, and five of those homes were destroyed, said Rey Medina, director of human resources for the observatory. The National Astronomy Ionospheric Center (NAIC) at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., manages the observatory for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Medina reports that about 95 percent of Puerto Rico's power lines were destroyed by Hurricane Georges, and he said the Puerto Rico Power Authority estimates that it could be two months before power is fully restored to Arecibo. The observatory employs about 140 people, and the homes of the observatory employees dot the hilly vicinity leading up to the dish.

In the meantime, the observatory is providing the Arecibo community with a wide range of important services. Citizens and employees have been getting their potable water from the observatory, as the facility has its own fresh water well. Many people nearby have used the laundry facilities, dined in the cafeteria and sought recreation at the observatory's swimming pool. The small cafeteria, normally used by 10 people on any given night, has been serving anywhere from 50 to 100 people at dinner since the hurricane.

"It's been quite a popular place these days," says Medina.

Cornell has ordered 53 generators for families of Arecibo employees. These 2,500-watt Honda generators will be sold at cost to the families and will provide enough electricity for refrigeration and electrical light until power is restored, said Eugene Bartell, an administrator with the NAIC in Ithaca. All 53 generators are being shipped by Federal Express, and shipping costs will be absorbed by Cornell. The units are expected to arrive at the airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, today (Oct. 8).

Medina reports that the observatory employees are in high spirits. He has organized 15 employees to serve as language translators for the Red Cross volunteers currently working in mountain areas of the island.

On the Cornell campus in Ithaca, the Cornell Employee Assembly has begun to organize a hurricane relief effort for its severely affected Arecibo colleagues. The goal: $10,000 by

Nov. 1, and donations would be distributed to Arecibo families in need. Those wanting to contribute can make checks out to Cornell University and mail them to Cornell's Arecibo Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 576, Ithaca N.Y. 14851-0576.