For centuries man has been looking into the sky to learn, discover, and explore what lies beyond. One of the places in the world that represent that ideology is the Jodrell Bank Observatory. It contains a lot of telescopes and provides insights into the world that surround us in our universe. Here are 5 interesting facts you should know about this place.
Established by Bernard Lovell
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The Jodrell Bank Observatory was established in 1945 by one of the best scientific minds in the world, Sir Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell. He studied physics and then went on to join the cosmic research team at the University of Manchester. A number of high profile lectures have been credited to his name, and he went on to receive multiple awards including the Knight Bachelor in 1961 and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 1980.
Home To Several Telescopes
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Jodrell Bank Observatory is a place built to accommodate telescopes, and when you come here, you’re going to see so much. Some of the telescopes include the Searchlight Telescope, which was loaned to them by the army in 1946. The 218 feet tall Transit Telescope was built in 1947, while the Lovell Telescope named after the physicist was added to the mix in 1957. There is also the Mark II and III Telescopes, both of which were built as part of the MERLIN Project. However, Mark III had since been decommissioned in 1996.
No Mobile Phones
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Using mobile phones in and around the site of the Lovell Telescope is forbidden. This is because of the capacity and sensitivity of the telescope which can lead to serious interference. Interestingly, even the microwave oven in the staff room is placed in a metal box to prevent it from interfering with the signals coming from the device.
A Place Of Astrophysical Research
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Jodrell Bank Observatory is all about research with topics covering a wide range of fields of interests, that has added so much value to science and knowledge. There are research groups, including cosmology, time domain, sun, stars, and galaxies. You will also find research centers, including the Interferometry Centre of Excellence and The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) that have become a huge part of the global research into space. The place also hosts research events like seminars, workshops, and conferences where so much happens and great minds come together to share ideas. For the academics, there are funded PhD and Post Doctorate opportunities, so if you fall into this category do not fail to make enquiries while you visit.
Tourists Explore The World Of Astrophysics
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For many years the Jodrell Bank Observatory has been a very important tourists attraction, bringing people together from all over the world. Many people like to come here just to see the size of those gigantic dishes. Others are here for the knowledge, including history and science. Whatever reasons that has dragged you here, it is important to know that what goes on here adds so much value to humanity and our quest for knowledge in the space beyond, so appreciate and respect every moment.
