The British government has nominated the eminent telescope observatory, Jodrell Bank, for a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic observatory, dominated by the iconic Lovell Telescope, is situated in the county of Cheshire in northwest England. The nomination will now move forward for UNESCO's final decision in January 2018.
Professor Tim O'Brien, associate director of the Jodrell Bank Center for Astrophysics, said, "Jodrell Bank is the one remaining radio astronomy site, worldwide which dates from the early days, so it is very important that we protect and celebrate the physical record of our involvement in the creation of a new science."
As per a report by Xinhua News Agency, Jodrell Bank observatory recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Lovell Telescope, which was completed in the year 1957. At that time, it was the world's largest telescope with its dish spanning a diameter of more than 76 meters. The Lovell Telescope still stands as an icon of brilliance, science and engineering.
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"We have been preparing the case for the World Heritage Site inscription for Jodrell Bank Observatory for some years, so it's absolutely fantastic to reach this milestone. The Lovell Telescope, in particular, has become an icon for science and engineering, and we look forward to showcasing the rich scientific heritage of this and the wider site on an international stage." said professor Teresa Anderson, director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Center.
As part of its preparations for getting included into the World Heritage List, the site is currently developing an extravagant new gallery space, which will celebrate the 'can do' story of the creation of the new science of radio astronomy, state the report.
"Jodrell Bank has played a leading role in radio astronomy for over 70 years. This rich history is still being written with the execution of state-of-the-art astronomical research programs on the Lovell Telescope." said professor Michael Garrett, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, as per the report.
