First Light At Jodrell Bank
The People's Friend|August 13, 2022
This week's cover feature Neil McAllister visits Cheshire's most recognisable tourist attraction, the Lovell Telescope, as it celebrates its 65th anniversary.
First Light At Jodrell Bank

BRITAIN in the mid-1950s was a grey place. Years of rationing had only just ended, and life was as colourless as the picture for those lucky enough to own a TV set.

Cows on the Cheshire Plain near the village of Goostrey, used to a quiet life, looked up to see the horizon taking a new shape as a spidery steel framework was set in place.

Over the next three years the structure stretched skywards, supporting an immense dish almost as wide as it was tall.

The structure, weighing over 3,200 tonnes, was the brainchild of Manchester University academic Bernard Lovell, and could be turned and tilted with precision, thanks to the engineering skill of bridge engineer Charles Husband.

The original expectation was for a 10-year lifespan, but this Cheshire landmark celebrates its 65th birthday this year.

Its first use in 1957 was referred to as "first light", a moment reflected in the centre's new £21.5m First Light Pavilion, which opened this year in a giant structure the same size and shape of the famous dish, today known as the Lovell Telescope.

Within days of switching Ion, the dish was involved in the space race, tracking Russia's Sputnik satellite as it beeped its way across the heavens.

The launch was as much a Cold War propaganda victory as a scientific advance, and as visitors discover, this wasn't the only way the Lovell Telescope was used in those early days.

I'm sure many have peered at the night sky wishing for a clearer view.

Many might have used binoculars to see the face of the moon, or used an optical telescope to bring distant galaxies into focus.

The Lovell Telescope still catches light, but works in a different way.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 13, 2022-Ausgabe von The People's Friend.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 13, 2022-Ausgabe von The People's Friend.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE PEOPLE'S FRIENDAlle anzeigen
It captured everyone's imagination
The People's Friend

It captured everyone's imagination

A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
The UK has amazing marine life
The People's Friend

The UK has amazing marine life

Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
It's About Time
The People's Friend

It's About Time

Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!

time-read
7 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
A Breath Of Country Air
The People's Friend

A Breath Of Country Air

Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
A Test Of Courage
The People's Friend

A Test Of Courage

Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
We Work Together
The People's Friend

We Work Together

Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...

time-read
7 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
The Art Of Laughter
The People's Friend

The Art Of Laughter

Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
Life After Linda
The People's Friend

Life After Linda

It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...

time-read
7 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
The People's Friend

ES! There in the corner are the speakers

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...

time-read
2 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023
Lovely Glen Lochay
The People's Friend

Lovely Glen Lochay

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
February 25, 2023