Latest news with #JodrellBank
BBC News
5 days ago
- 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.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Jodrell Bank: 'Towering figure' in radio astronomy dies at 102
Tributes have been paid to a "towering figure in British astronomy" who has died aged 102. Sir Francis Graham-Smith was believed to be the world's oldest active radio astronomer, according to Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire. Known to his friends as Graham, he served as the observatory's second director and was the Astronomer Royal - a title bestowed upon the UK's most eminent astronomer - between 1982 and 1990. In a tribute shared on social media, Jodrell Bank said Sir Francis had an article published only a few months ago in the Royal Astronomical Society's magazine, Astronomy & Geophysics. Andrew Lyne, emeritus professor of radio astronomy at The University of Manchester, said: "Sir Francis was a towering figure in British astronomy, whose career spanned much of the history of radio astronomy itself, and as a teacher and mentor he enhanced the lives of many scientists, myself included."Sir Francis was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society and was a former President of the Royal Astronomical Society before being knighted in 1986. He made "foundational contributions to the understanding of the interstellar medium, pulsars, and the development of radio telescopes", Jodrell Bank said. The University of Manchester said Sir Francis interrupted his university studies in Cambridge during World War Two to work on the development of radar. At the end of the war, he returned to Cambridge and began working alongside Martin Ryle, another wartime radar expert. Sir Francis played a key role in pioneering the new science of radio astronomy, providing some of the most accurate positions for the newly discovered sources of cosmic radio waves using devices called 1964, he was appointed as a professor of radio astronomy at the University of Manchester and moved to Jodrell Bank. 'Immeasurable contribution' In 1982 he succeeded Sir Bernard Lovell, who founded Jodrell Bank, as its observatory said Sir Francis's leadership had ensured its "continued international scientific excellence". "His contribution to the field was immeasurable," it added. Sir Francis technically retired in 1988 but continued to be an "active member" of Jodrell Bank's pulsar research group until very recently. The University of Manchester said Sir Francis and Elizabeth, his wife of 76 years who died in 2021, had four from astronomy, he was a keen gardener and an "avid" bee-keeper, a hobby which he enjoyed well into his 90s. Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Cheshire named home to some of England's most popular attractions
Cheshire has been named home to some of England's most popular visitor attractions. The county's tourist destinations have once again been recognised for their economic impact and visitor appeal, with several sites ranking among the most visited in both England and the North West. Chester Zoo secured third place in England's top 20 most visited paid attractions, according to Visit England's 2024 Annual Attractions Survey. Cristian Marcucci, managing director at Marketing Cheshire, said: "Today's rankings showcase just how important and popular our attractions are to the region's economy. "Cheshire and Warrington is blessed with world-class attractions. "From Chester's Roman history, world-famous zoo and beloved racecourse to Gulliver's World theme park in Warrington, the UNESCO World Heritage site at Jodrell Bank, and beautiful Tatton Park, to name just a few. "It is wonderful that millions of people from across the North West and beyond are coming here." The survey revealed that seven of Cheshire's attractions made the North West's top 20 paid visitor attractions list. Chester Cathedral also represented the county in the free attractions category, ranking seventh among the North West's top 20. Zebras at Chester Zoo (Image: Chester Zoo) Marketing Cheshire said the results highlight the strength of the region's tourism sector, which generates £3.9 billion annually, supports 38,000 jobs, and attracts more than 56 million visitors each year. Chester Zoo recorded 1,947,544 visitors in 2024, making it the most visited attraction in the UK outside London. Other Cheshire attractions in the North West's top 20 paid list include Tatton Park (third), Dunham Massey (fourth), Lyme Park and Gardens (seventh), Quarry Bank Mill (ninth), BeWILDerwood (14th), and Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement (17th). Jamie Christon, chair of Marketing Cheshire and CEO of Chester Zoo, said: "It's great to see Chester Zoo ranked third in the national table and topping the North West rankings – and joined in the most visited lists by so many brilliant attractions that help fuel Cheshire and Warrington's £3.9 billion visitor economy. "The region's world-class tourism offer continues to evolve with new attractions for 2025 including Lapland UK bringing its premium Christmas experience to Capesthorne Hall, creating 1,200 seasonal jobs." Chester was also recently named one of top 10 most welcoming places on the planet.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
16 photographs that capture county's beautiful sights on Cheshire Day
MEMBERS of Guardian Camera Club have shared some photographs of the county to mark Cheshire Day. Cheshire Day is celebrated on March 30 each year given people the chance to celebrate living in the county. Camera club members shared images of Weaverham, Lostock Gralam and Winsford as well as Middlewich, Whitegate and Tatton Park. Guardian Camera Club is a supportive and friendly group of amateur and professional photographers and they regularly submit their favourite photos or images based on a theme like trees, sunrises and sunsets or parks in spring. You can join 800 others in our camera club on Facebook at Japanese garden, Tatton Park by Tanya Wightman Lostock Gralam Church by John Pickering Winsford flashes by Donna Maria Long St Mary's Church, Whitegate by Julie Webb Knutsford by Carly Jo Curbishley The canal at Middlewich by Donna Maria Long Tatton Park by Donna Maria Long Northwich Road, Weaverham by Wendy Mahon St Mary's Church, Whitegate by Lisa Lacking Town Park, Winsford by Lisa Lacking Marbury Park by Patricia Dyson Jodrell Bank by Tony Crawford Arley Hall by Jim Hand Antrobus by Sue Lawless Weaverham by Cathie Leather 16 photographs that capture county's beautiful sights on Cheshire Day
