UK's iconic Jodrell Bank telescope faces axe in science cuts

[Jim Brown]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y6r9rdxygo

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[Andrew Thornett]

It jist shows how much of a crisis there is in scientific funding in the UK. But to close Jodrell Bank - unbelievable! EVERY UK school child has heard lf Jodrell Bank which is more than can be said of telescopes in Hawaii or even in space! If scientific research is meant in part to encourage young minds to learn science and even tale up a career in science then the output of Jodrell Bank is unmatchable!

I have a suspicion this is one decision that will get overturned.

The new PM Andy Burnham has been in power one week and is already backtracking on important policies........this will be another one I bet!

Andy

Sent from Outlook for Android

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From: 'Jim Brown' via Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers <sara...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 28 July 2026 01:52:24
To: SARA <sara...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SARA] UK's iconic Jodrell Bank telescope faces axe in science cuts

 

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[duncan campbell-wilson]

A good read  in relation to Jodrell Bank is Bernard Lovell's "Astronomer  by Chance" Oxford University Press  1992 ISBN 0-19-282949-1. 

The mid chapters deal with trials and tribulations of the build and the public accounts committee. Sputnik's arrival in 1957  changed things immediately.

The sunk capital in this instrument  is huge compared to the operating costs.  I do agree with the sentiment expressed about encouraging young minds.

I think the withdrawal of Jodrell funding  as Sir Humprey would say to a  minister of the crown, is "courageous". (See "Yes Minister" tv series for context). 

From experience I know there's usually no funds to remediate a site , this leaves the opportunity to reinvigorate a system later. This can be painful but if the bones are good then opportunity is present.

Needless to say, preventing closure is  obviously  the best course of action.

Rgds Duncan 

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