Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

The Jodrell Bank Observatory (originally the Jodrell Bank Experimental Station, then the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories from 1966 to 1999; /ˈdʒɒdrəl/) is a British observatory that hosts a number of radio telescopes, and is part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. The observatory was established in 1945 by Sir Bernard Lovell, a radio astronomer at the University of Manchester who wanted to investigate cosmic rays after his work on radar during the Second World War. It has since played an important role in the research of meteors, quasars, pulsars, masers and gravitational lenses, and was heavily involved with the tracking of space probes at the start of the Space Age. The managing director of the observatory is Professor Simon Garrington. The main telescope at the observatory is the Lovell Telescope, which is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. There are three other active telescopes located at the observatory; the Mark II, as well as 42 ft (13 m) and 7 m diameter radio telescopes. Jodrell Bank Observatory is also the base of the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN), a National Facility run by the University of Manchester on behalf of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The site of the observatory, which includes the Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre and an arboretum, is located in the civil parish of Lower Withington (the rest being in Goostrey civil parish), near Goostrey and Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, North West England. It is reached from the A535. An excellent view of the telescope can be seen by travelling by train, as the main line between Manchester and Crewe passes right by the site, with Goostrey station being only a short distance away.
Jodrell Bank and the Lovell Radio Telescope. Explore astronomy past and current at Jodrell Bank. You can see the 3rd biggest radio telescope in the world and learn more about incredible past astronomy projects and new ambitious ones in the future. Look for special events, like the bluedot Festiva where music and science come together over the weekend. #science #astronomy #manchester #england #sciencetourist #space

Popular places to visit

Such a beautiful venue 😍

Capesthorne Hall

Learn about the local history of Siddington with a stop at Capesthorne Hall. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Capesthorne Hall
A regular place for my family and our 1 year old Labrador. Every time we go we find something new worth capturing. A peaceful and beautiful nature reserve.

Brereton Heath Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Brereton Heath Country Park, a lovely green space in Brereton.

Brereton Heath Country Park
Winter sunshine on Astbury Mere

Astbury Mere County Park

Explore the great outdoors at Astbury Mere County Park, a lovely green space in Congleton. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.

Astbury Mere County Park

Cranage Village Hall

After visiting Cranage Village Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cranage. Visit the spas and lively bars in this walkable area.

Cranage Village Hall

Seven Sisters Farm Ice Cream

Enjoy a stop at Seven Sisters Farm Ice Cream, an entertaining place to visit in Toft. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Seven Sisters Farm Ice Cream

Delta Force Paintball Holmes Chapel

Learn about the local history of Brereton when you take a trip to Delta Force Paintball Holmes Chapel. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Delta Force Paintball Holmes Chapel

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