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What is Jodrell Bank Observatory and what does it do?
BBC • • science
Key Points:
- The UK government plans to end funding for the Jodrell Bank Observatory within two years, prompting the University of Manchester to seek alternative financial support before 2028.
- Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cheshire, houses the Lovell Telescope, a historically significant radio telescope that has contributed to major astronomical discoveries since its completion in 1957.
- The observatory plays a vital role in detecting weak radio signals from space and works with the UK's e-Merlin network to enhance research on galaxies, black holes, and planetary formation.
- Scientists warn that cutting funding is short-sighted and risks undermining the UK's position in radio astronomy, especially with the upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in South Africa and Australia.
- The closure could lead to the loss of 28 jobs and hamper the training and career development of young researchers in the field.
