UK’s Iconic Jodrell Bank Telescope Faces Axe In Science Cuts

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

The Jodrell Bank Observatory, which has housed the UK’s largest telescope for nearly 70 years, has lost its funding and could now close, the BBC understands.

These two paragraphs add more details.

The observatory and its network of telescopes have been pivotal to the country’s study of distant galaxies and training future astronomers. Scientists have described the decision as “heartbreaking” and “scientifically misguided”.

All scientific observations at Jodrell are expected to cease on the 1 April 2028 unless alternative funding can be found.

I consider the government decision to be vandalism of the highest order.

This Google Map shows the Jodrell Bank site.

Note.

1. The radio telescope is indicated by a red arrow.
2. Going across the North-West corner of the map is the West Coast Main Line between London and Manchester Piccadilly.
3. The red dot, which is labelled SKAO indicates the SKA Observatory, which has this web site.

This is on the home page.

Building the two largest telescope arrays in the world, located in South Africa and Australia, made possible through a global collaboration.

Jodrell Bank is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

July 27, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | World | Astronomy, Australia, Jodrell Bank, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester University, Radio Astronomy, Science, SKAO, South Africa, West Coast Main Line, World Heritage Site