Heritage Lecture: Jodrell Bank - The Accidental Observatory
Schedule
Thu Nov 13 2025 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Jodrell Bank , SK11 9DW Macclesfield, United Kingdom | Holmes Chapel, EN
Advertisement
80 years ago, on the late afternoon of 14th December 1945, Bernard Lovell was alone in a muddy field in the Cheshire countryside. The sign at the entrance read “Jodrell Bank Experimental Grounds”, a remote outpost of the University of Manchester botany department. He had been given permission to work at Jodrell Bank for two weeks. He never left.
Lovell had never intended to build an observatory, nor even a telescope, and he certainly wasn’t an astronomer. It was a series of chance events that changed his life, leading to the creation of one of the world’s great observatories.
As part of our 80th anniversary celebrations, travel back in time with Professor Tim O’Brien on a fascinating journey through history. Illustrated with rare photographs and archival documents, he’ll explore how one man’s fascination with technology and a determination forged by war transformed a small botanical site into a window to the Universe.
🗓️ Thursday 13 November, 19.30 - 21.00.
🍽️ Guests joining us in person also have the option to book a pre-lecture meal at our fantastic First Light Café.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Jodrell Bank , SK11 9DW Macclesfield, United Kingdom, Holmes Chapel, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
