Editor’s Note: The Atlantic is making vital coverage of the coronavirus available to all readers. Find the collection here. Understanding the pandemic this week requires grasping two thoughts at once. First, the United States has never been closer to defeating the pandemic. Second, some of the country’s most agonizing days still lie ahead.Long term, the view has never looked brighter.

One of the most powerful telescopes in the world is on the brink of collapse.Arecibo, a giant radio observatory nestled in the lush mountains of Puerto Rico, did some of the dreamiest work in astronomy. But it was forced to stop operations this year after suffering unprecedented damage, and officials now believe that it is beyond repair. Instead of trying to fix it, they’re going to tear it down.The trouble began in August.

Every weekday evening, our editors guide you through the biggest stories of the day, help you discover new ideas, and surprise you with moments of delight. Subscribe to get this delivered to your inbox.SHUTTERSTOCK / PAUL SPELLA / THE ATLANTICThis week brought another round of urgent pandemic updates, both catastrophic and spectacular. Our writers help you process the good and the bad.

Editor’s Note: The Atlantic is making vital coverage of the coronavirus available to all readers. Find the collection . Nor does the analysis incorporate the possibility of an overburdened testing system becoming unable to complete as many tests as necessary, which would depress case counts. Either of these factors could push or skew the expected death rate even higher.