Meteors and early radio astronomy
1946–47 - Radar studies of ionised meteor trails helped turn a post-war experimental station towards radio astronomy.
ExploreEvidence-led public resource · Reviewed content
Understand Jodrell Bank
An evidence-based public information resource about Jodrell Bank Observatory - its work, significance and the current funding position facing e-MERLIN.
About Jodrell Bank
A working observatory with a remarkable history
Jodrell Bank is a University of Manchester radio astronomy site in Cheshire. Founded in December 1945, it is home to the 76-metre Lovell Telescope, the headquarters of the e-MERLIN national facility and a scientific landscape inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
Selected achievements
A selected record of scientific work
Three examples from the reviewed selection show how the site's contribution ranges from early radar experiments to space tracking and fundamental astronomy.
Tracking the Sputnik launch rocket
October 1957 - The newly completed Mark I Telescope tracked the third stage of the rocket that carried Sputnik 1 into orbit.
ExploreThe first identified gravitational lens
1979 - A team led by Jodrell Bank astronomer Dennis Walsh identified Q0957+561 as the first known gravitational-lens system.
ExploreThis is an editorial selection, not a complete catalogue. Read the Scientific Achievements page for all five sourced examples.
Current funding position
A specific decision, not a site-wide closure
On 9 July 2026, UKRI recorded “e-MERLIN not prioritised for further funding”. UKRI says current agreements continue in full until they end. The University states that current e-MERLIN funding ends in March 2028 and that Jodrell Bank remains open. Operating arrangements after the current agreement remain unresolved.
Current Situation
What the 9 July 2026 UKRI decision confirms, what continues through March 2028, and what remains uncertain about e-MERLIN's future.
ExploreFunding Explained
A plain-language guide to operating, research, capital, heritage and visitor funding at Jodrell Bank - and the limits of each.
ExploreFunding position last reviewed .
Timeline preview
Funding context in dates
A short preview places the capital context, confirmed decision and stated end of the current agreement in order. Every item comes from the same data as the full funding timeline.
Capital context
First Light Pavilion opens
The pavilion opens as the centrepiece of a £21.5 million heritage and public-engagement capital project supported by public, University and charitable funders.
Confirmed decision
UKRI publishes the STFC prioritisation outcome
UKRI states that current PPAN projects continue in full until their agreements end and records “e-MERLIN not prioritised for further funding”.
Stated agreement end
Current e-MERLIN funding is due to end
This is the end month stated by the University. It is not a confirmed closure date, and the operating position after this point remains unresolved.
Reviewed ways to help
Learn first, then act proportionately
Start with the evidence, share verified information in context, sign a petition or prepare factual correspondence to your MP.
Take Action
Actions and external links reviewed .