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| The Lovell Radio Telescope Cheshire (Credit Wikipedia and Mike Peel; Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester) |
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| Sir Bernard Lovell OBE FRS in 2000 (Credit Wikipedia and Mr Robert Alexander) |
Forty-four years ago this September, I commenced my undergraduate studies at Manchester University. As part of the organised activities of 'Freshers' Week' I was taken by coach out into the wilds of Cheshire to see the the Jodrell Bank RadioTelescope . Forty-four years later the telescope, upgraded and refurbished, remains at the cutting edge of astronomy and is the control hub for the seven telescopes which together form the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometry Network (E-MERLIN).
I never had the opportunity to meet Sir Bernard Lovell but have long admired his scientific leadership as a hands on pioneer in the development of radio astronomy. Above all else he was the driving force behind the construction and development of the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope which, now bearing his name, continues to operate as a National and International resource.
Sir Bernard Lovell died in August this year at the great age of 98 years, leaving behind a record of scientific achievement of immense stature.
Obituary see: resource.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=8592
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