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Author
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Topic: UK’s Jodrell Bank radio telescope may close
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onesmallstep
Member Posts: 1572
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 07-27-2026 03:38 PM
   
A pioneering facility, the Sir Bernard Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank tracked early Earth satellites and crewed spacecraft, especially those of the Soviet Union, in its long career. Now the observatory has lost its funding and could now close. All scientific observations at Jodrell are expected to cease on the 1 April 2028 unless alternative funding can be found.The funding body, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency, said it had to focus investment on projects that deliver "the greatest long-term impact." Prof Brian Cox, professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester — which hosts Jodrell Bank Observatory — described the cuts as "hasty and ill-considered." "The damage to the UK's science base has already been substantial. I am astonished that UKRI are still ploughing ahead and not working with the Burnham government to find a solution," he said.  |
Kite
Member Posts: 1236
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 07-28-2026 08:00 AM
Disgraceful, still important work being done there. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3985
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 07-28-2026 06:14 PM
I absolutely agree. I have never been to Jodrell Bank, but I have seen it twice from the window of aircraft leaving Manchester airport and found the brief view electrifying. For the sake of future science, some solution needs to be found. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56875
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-30-2026 11:53 AM
There is now a petition to save Jodrell Bank. |
Kite
Member Posts: 1236
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 07-31-2026 12:31 PM
Thank you Robert for posting this. I have signed. It is a very good place to visit if you possibly can. |
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