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ADMINISTRATION:
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Photos
by John Moss
unless otherwise credited
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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.
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