Latest news with #LovellTelescope
North Wales Live
02-08-2025
- Science
- North Wales Live
The absolutely unique attraction just an hour away from North Wales
The summer holidays are in full swing and although families may be enjoying the attractions and beautiful scenery that North Wales has to offer, they may be looking for something else to inspire awe in them. And Jodrell Bank is one such inspirational place full of mind-blowing stories of pioneering heritage and cutting-edge science. Part of The University of Manchester, it is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a live scientific research facility. The observatory was established in 1945 by radio atronomer Bernard Lovell, to investigate cosmic rays after his work on radar in the Second World War. Since then it has played an important role in the research of meteoroids, quasars, pulsars, masers, and gravitational lenses, and was heavily involved with the tracking of space probes at the start of the Space Age. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone The main telescope at the observatory is the Lovell Telescope, which never fails to impress, with its huge diameter of 250 ft (76 m), pointing at the heavans, to make it the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. In addition there are three other active telescopes at the observatory; the Mark II and 42 ft (13 m) and 7 m diameter radio telescopes. These are all set amongst tranquil grounds and walkways, providing a surprising respite from the world. In addition there are a number of events and attractions at Jodrell Bank, some taking place this summer, including the Rocket Lab, Ted's Space Adventure, Discover the Dish, Telescope Talks and Meet the Astronomer. There are also a number of tours, lectures and exhibitions, including the Gemini and Mercury Remastered Exhibition and a cafe to get some refreshments. All in all Jodrell Bank offers an out of this world expericence for all the family, if they are looking for something different to do this summer - and it's not that far away from North Wales.
BBC News
28-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Students build Lego model of Jodrell Bank telescope
A student who built a Lego version of the landmark Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank with 30,500 bricks said it was the "most challenging build I've ever done but also the most fun".The observatory, constructed in the Cheshire countryside after World War Two, tracked US and Russian craft during the space race and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. Physics student James Ruxton and six other students at the University of Manchester began building the model in April to mark the observatory's 80th said he has been a "big fan" of Lego all his life, "so recreating something as iconic as the Lovell is like taking that to the next level!". Mr Ruxton spent six months designing the 30kg model with computer software, and even designed some Lego pieces specifically with a 3D model dish itself weighs 12.5kg and had to be reinforced with a steel pole like the actual structure will be displayed at the Schuster building, which accommodates the university's physics department near Brunswick Street. Professor Chris Parkes, the university's head of physics, said the model was a "celebration of Manchester's history of discovery".He said: "Jodrell Bank has always been a symbol of bold innovation - pushing the boundaries of science and engineering from its earliest days."What the students have created with this Lego build is a perfect reflection of that spirit." Scientific research began at Jodrell Bank Observatory in 1945 when the physicist Sir Bernard Lovell came to the University of site pioneered the then new science of radio astronomy, which used radio waves instead of visible light to understand the universe. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
