Jodrell Bank & the Lovell Radio Telescope

Lower Withington, near Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL
Tel: 01477-571321 Fax: 01477-571618. Website: http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/
Originally established by Bernard Lovell to study cosmic rays and known as the Jodrell Bank Experimental Station, then later the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, the Jodrell Bank Observatory is part of the University of Manchester School of Physics and Astronomy. It is home to the Lovell Radio Telescope and the MERLIN/VLBI National Facility which is operated by the University on behalf of PPARC. The facility is located in the central Cheshire countryside and when the radio telescope stands vertically it dominates the landscape for many miles around as it has since the mid-20th century.

Sir Bernard Lovell and the Radio Telescope overl;ooking the Cheshire Plain

When, in 1945, under the direction of Professor Sir Bernard Lovell, building began of the 218ft diameter parabolic reflecting aerial, it was the largest radio telescope in the world, now just the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. There are three other active telescopes located at the observatory
The Centre also offers periodic lectures, as well as distance learning and degree courses in astronomy and related sciences. The on-site Discovery Centre is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day, last admission at 4pm. The Centre is occasionally closed for special events or public holidays. Please visit the Centre website at www.jodrellbank.net to find out more or telephone on 01477 571 766.

The Lovell Telescope. Aerial photograoh courtesy of Webb Aviation www.webbaviation.co.uk © 2008 - All rights reserved

Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre

Contact Email: visitorcentre@jb.man.ac.uk
The Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre is the visitor centre for the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope and Jodrell Bank Observatory. The Visitor Centre's Observational Pathway surrounds much of the base of the Lovell Telescope allowing visitors a closer view of its operation and construction - it is an impressive sight, both viewed from a distance and at extremem close proximity.
The Centre also has a 3D Theatre, small exhibition area, 35 acre Arboretum with its National Collections of Malus and Sorbus, an award winning Environmental Discovery Centre, which houses our Tree Planet exhibition, the Space Café and Shop.
While the general public are not allowed access to the research laboratories there is a behind-the-scenes mini-tour of the day-to-day running of Jodrell Bank, including the Control Room, the Lovell Observing Room, the Merlin Suite, the UK VLBI Centre and the Link Hut.
Please note that there is no longer a Planetarium on site but while the Centre undergoes a redevelopment programme there are periodic exhibitions of general and specific scientific and astronomical interest.
Further information on Jodrell Bank Observatory and astronomy is available by email:
mailto:visitorcentre@jb.man.ac.uk, or accessing the General Public pages of the official website at http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/generalpublic/

Jodrell Bank Opening Times & Admission

Opening:
Currently open every day from 10.30am to 5.30pm until end of October. Last admission 1 hour before closing. Please note that times may change over time - you are advised to check before setting out.
Admission Charges:
Adults £1.50; Children (4-16 years) £1.00; Under 4s go free. Admission to the 3D Theatre is £1.00 per person, (under 4s free). For some of our events a special charge may be made. Prices may have changed - please check before setting out.
Adult Group Visits:
Groups are advised to book in advance. Admission for adult groups is £1.00 per person for groups of over 10 people. Entrance to the 3D theatre £1.00 per person.
Educational Group Visits:
Please call to book an educational visit, spaces are limited: Tel: 01477 571339
or email Jodrell.visitor.centre@manchester.ac.uk. Admission for educations groups is £1.00 per child, 1 adult free with every 7 children, extra adults £1.00. Entrance to the 3D theatre 50p per person, per show.

Footnote:
Recent news that the Telescope might be decommissioned was met with widespread protest, and as a likely result, for the time being at least, it seems that it has been reprieved and is still fully operational - but watch this space!! Recent reports suggest that the government is prepared to intervene so as to guarantee the future of the telescope and science park as a working astronomical entity.