History
Founded in December 1945, the observatory's Mark I Telescope tracked the third stage of Sputnik 1 in October 1957.
ExploreJodrell Bank Observatory · Cheshire, England
Save Jodrell Bank
An evidence-based guide to Jodrell Bank Observatory: its research, heritage and the funding context facing e-MERLIN.
An observatory with a continuing role
Listening to the universe since 1945
Founded in December 1945, Jodrell Bank is part of the University of Manchester. Its 76-metre Lovell Telescope was completed in 1957, and the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
- 76 metres
- Diameter of the fully steerable Lovell Telescope.
- The year Jodrell Bank was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The current e-MERLIN operating grant is scheduled to end in March.
The wider picture
Why Jodrell Bank matters
Explore the evidence behind Jodrell Bank's scientific work, heritage and current funding position.
Research
The Lovell Telescope is a core element of e-MERLIN, the UK's radio telescope array linking seven telescopes by optical fibre.
ExploreFunding
e-MERLIN has operating funding through March 2028, but no further STFC/UKRI operating support is guaranteed after the current grant ends.
ExploreHow you can help
The future of Jodrell Bank is best understood through clear, verified information about its research, heritage and funding context.
ExploreStay informed
Start with the evidence.
Read the current funding context and explore the work that has made Jodrell Bank an important part of radio astronomy.